Background:

Launched by the EMN National Contact Point (NCP) Hungary in April 2025, the query aims to gather information on whether and how other EMN Member Countries employ translation technologies to facilitate communication with individuals who do not speak the national language. The Hungarian Police initiated this request to better understand operational, legal, and data protection aspects linked to these technologies.

Respondents:

24 EMN Members (including BE) provided public responses to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the ad hoc query results shows that:

• Around half of the respondents, including BE, reported using technology-based tools to support communication during return procedures, primarily when interpreters are unavailable.

• Common tools include general translation apps such as Google Translate and DeepL. BE, DE and EE use VASCO handheld translator devices. IT employs the national IT platform SIA-Gestionale, which standardises return procedure documents and features an AI-based tool translating return measures into 28 languages. However, IT's direct communication with third-country nationals relies on interpreters, cultural mediators, and multilingual brochures rather than digital applications.

• The use of these tools, as is the case in BE, is generally governed by administrative practice and complies with GDPR and national data protection laws. Formal legal procedures, such as issuing return decisions, usually require qualified interpreters to guarantee legal validity.

• Few respondents indicated that translation technologies fall under the NIS 2 Directive. Where applicable, standard IT security and cybersecurity protocols are followed.

• None of the respondents reported explicit legal bans on using these technologies. However, some noted practical limitations due to concerns about accuracy and legal responsibility.

For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.