AI Act FAQ

Biometric AI: Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions answered with specific EU AI Act article references. 98 days until the August 2, 2026 enforcement deadline.

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Is facial recognition banned?

Real-time remote biometric identification in publicly accessible spaces for law enforcement is prohibited (Article 5(1)(h)), with narrow exceptions for missing persons, terrorist threats, and serious crime suspects.

What about workplace biometric AI?

Biometric categorisation systems that infer sensitive attributes (race, political opinions, religion, sexual orientation) are prohibited (Article 5(1)(g)). Non-inferring biometric systems for access control may be permitted as high-risk.

Is emotion recognition AI allowed?

Prohibited in workplaces and educational institutions (Article 5(1)(f)). Allowed for medical or safety purposes with appropriate safeguards. Always high-risk when permitted.

What conformity assessment do biometric systems need?

Biometric identification systems under Annex III point 1 require third-party assessment by a notified body (Article 43(1)). This is the only Annex III category requiring external assessment.

Does fingerprint scanning count?

If used for identification or categorisation of natural persons, yes — it's biometric AI under Annex III. Simple access control without identification/categorisation may fall outside scope.

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