Commissioner McGrath refutes claims the Digital Omnibus will weaken GDPR
02/12/2025 | Politico
The European Commission's recent Digital Omnibus proposals to overhaul EU data protection laws represent the limit of pro-business reform without compromising European privacy standards, according to Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath.
In an interview with Politico, McGrath explained that the EU is entering a "time of significant change" for data privacy, but warned that further major amendments to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could put the bloc's high standards at risk.
The proposals, which aim to slash red tape for businesses and boost EU competitiveness, open parts of the GDPR and the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) for renegotiation. One of the more notable reforms seeks to simplify cookie consent rules to reduce the prevalence of cookie banners for citizens and businesses.
Despite criticism from privacy advocates, McGrath rebuffed the claims, stating the proposals are "appropriate" and will "make a positive difference." The plans will now proceed to trilogue negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, which is expected to trigger intense lobbying.
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