Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union is set next week to propose a rollback of a key part of its landmark artificial intelligence and data protection rules by at least one year, which faces powerful pushback.
As reported, part of an effort to reduce red tape for European businesses facing competition from US and Chinese rivals, this move is attracting criticism. Some accuse Brussels of prioritising competitiveness over the privacy and protection of citizens.
Why is the EU planning to delay key AI rules?
EU institutions deny that pressure from the US administration affected their push to simplify the bloc’s digital rules. These rules have faced strong backlash from President Donald Trump and US tech companies.
But the European Commission says it has listened to the concerns of EU companies. It wants to make it easier for them to access users’ data for AI development. Critics see this move as a threat to privacy. One planned change could bring relief to many Europeans. The EU wants to eliminate those annoying cookie banners that ask users for consent to track them on websites.
What changes does the commission want for personal data rules?
Based on information provided by EU officials and draft documents obtained by AFP, which may be updated before the November 19 announcement, the European Commission is expected to propose a one-year pause in the enactment of parts of its AI law and overhauling its flagship data protection regulations, which privacy defenders say will make it easier for US Big Tech to “suck up Europeans’ personal data”.
Why is the EU considering limiting the definition of personal data?
The EU’s key law, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has protected users’ privacy since 2018 and has set standards globally. While the EU claims it is only suggesting technical changes to simplify the rules, rights activists and EU lawmakers see it differently.
According to reports, the EU’s executive branch wants to limit the definition of personal data and permit companies to process this data to train AI models for what it describes as “legitimate interest,” according to a draft document.
An EU official said that EU institutions also plan to propose a one-year delay in implementing several rules on high-risk AI. This includes models that can threaten safety, health, or people’s fundamental rights. Instead of starting next year, these rules would begin in 2027.
Reports say this decision follows strong pressure from European companies and US tech giants. Many of Europe’s largest firms, including France’s Airbus and Germany’s Lufthansa and Mercedes-Benz, requested a pause in July on the AI law. They warn that it could stifle innovation.
