EUROPE (Enmaeya News) - November 20, 2025
The European Commission is facing criticism over a new plan to simplify digital rules in the EU, with privacy groups warning it could significantly weaken protections for citizens.
The proposals, called the “Digital Omnibus,” would delay some strict rules in the EU’s AI Act, ease consent requirements under the GDPR, and allow companies to use people’s data to train AI systems without explicit permission.
According to The Guardian, civil rights groups, including European Digital Rights (EDRi), say the plan could reduce transparency and accountability, leaving citizens less protected against misuse of their data. They describe it as the biggest rollback of digital rights in the EU’s history.
The European Commission and some business groups defend the proposals, saying the changes will simplify rules, reduce bureaucracy, and help Europe remain competitive in AI technology.
Some EU countries, including France and Germany, also support the simplification, seeing it as a way to save costs for companies.
Under the plan, some “high-risk” AI regulations that were due to start in 2026 would be delayed until 2027. Companies would also face fewer restrictions on collecting and using personal data for AI research.
The proposals still need approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.
Critics told Euronews that the changes could harm citizens’ privacy and weaken protections built over many years. EU lawmakers have warned that rushing these reforms could create “dangerous loopholes” and leave users vulnerable to misuse of personal data.
Privacy advocates are calling on policymakers to rethink the plan and maintain strong digital protections while still allowing innovation.
They warn that if passed, the reforms could mark a major shift in Europe’s approach to digital rights, prioritizing business convenience over citizen safety.
