The European Commission will this week unveil plans to simplify digital rules in a bid to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and strengthen Europe’s position in the global AI race.
Early drafts have sparked criticism from digital-rights groups and several MEPs, who say the proposals weaken data protection and AI safeguards, partly under pressure from the Trump administration.
As part of a wider push to boost competitiveness, particularly for SMEs, the Commission is preparing changes to major digital laws, including the GDPR, the AI Act, the e-Privacy Directive and the Data Act.
Expected measures include reducing repetitive cookie-banner prompts and creating a single reporting channel for cyberattacks and data breaches.
More controversial proposals would ease rules for high-risk AI systems—such as tools used to screen CVs or loan applications—with implementation of stricter safeguards delayed until December 2027. France and Germany support the delay.
Tech giants like Google, Meta and OpenAI could also gain the ability to use Europeans’ personal data for AI training under a “legitimate interest” basis, and companies may be exempted from limits on processing sensitive data to avoid hindering AI development.
Digital-rights groups warn the “Digital Omnibus” would mark the biggest rollback of digital rights in EU history, while business groups argue current rules are stifling Europe’s AI industry compared with the US and China.