In March 2025, amendments criminalising LGBTQI+ demonstrations and increasing biometric surveillance were rushed through the Hungarian Parliament without any public debate. These changes dramatically expand the use of facial recognition technology during events, such as the Budapest Pride. This risked deterring people from exercising their right to protest: if they know they may be scanned, identified, and punished for participating in a peaceful protest, many may decide to stay away. Yet despite the legal uncertainties and risks, Budapest Pride saw record turnout: an estimated 2-300,000 people marched under the rainbow flags.
We partnered with human and digital rights organisations - the European Digital Rights, Civil Liberties Union for Europe and Hungarian Civil Liberties Union - to protect fundamental rights in Hungary. Our joint legal analysis shows that the law likely violates the recently adopted EU AI Act, which prohibits real-time biometric surveillance, making this case the first real test of the EU legislation. We coordinated an open letter to the European Commission, signed by over 40 organisations, urging them to investigate the potential violation. In parallel, we supported Hungarian partners in preparing national interventions to the Hungarian Data Protection Authority, and exploring potential litigation avenues.
One year later, Hungarians’ fundamental rights remain at risk and the use of facial recognition in Hungary remains unchallenged. Facial recognition vans were spotted at both the Budapest and Pécs Pride in 2025 events, and criminal procedures were initiated against the organisers. The change in government in 2026 presents a new opportunity to push for the repeal of the law. We will support national partners in their advocacy efforts to reverse the harmful measures. At the same time, if the legislation remains in place, we will continue to back potential litigation and work with the European Commission to ensure that Hungary complies with EU laws.
The difference this work made:
- Mobilised civil society and LGBTQI+ groups to respond to the unlawful use of facial recognition in Hungary.
- Brought attention to the potential violation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act among civil society and policymakers.
- Increased public pressure on the European Commission to fulfill its role as the guardian of the EU Treaties and protect fundamental rights in Hungary.
Image: Elise Racine / https://betterimagesofai.org