Prague, August 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: Václav Havel Airport in Prague has officially suspended the use of its facial recognition system in response to new European Union regulations on artificial intelligence. The updated rules, part of the EU’s AI Act, now require explicit approval from a court for the use of surveillance technologies involving biometric data.
Czech police announced the suspension on Friday, noting that the decision aligns with recent amendments to national law. Any future deployment of the facial recognition system at the airport must be approved by a presiding judge from the Prague court.
Prague Airport remains the only location in the Czech Republic where police have implemented facial recognition technology. First introduced in 2019, the software cross-checks scanned facial images with databases containing identity and travel documents. Authorities report that between its launch and the end of June 2025, the system successfully led to the identification and detention of 155 individuals who were subject to arrest warrants, court-ordered detention, or imprisonment.
The suspension underscores the growing scrutiny of AI-powered surveillance tools across the EU and reflects increasing emphasis on privacy protections and legal oversight.
