Netherlands: Data Protection Authority opened consultation on societal use of emotion Artificial Intelligence

On 18 April 2025, the Dutch Data Protection Authority opened a public consultation on the societal use of emotion Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inform its upcoming AI and Algorithm Risks Report, until 6 May 2025. The consultation applies to emotion recognition technologies, including those embedded in consumer devices or used during customer service interactions. Such technologies interpret emotional states using biometric data including facial expressions or heart rate. The consultation aims to seek inputs to understand the practical risks and applications of such systems, excluding those in workplace or educational settings, where their use has been prohibited since 2 February 2025.