What are the proposed changes to the EU's GDPR law?

The proposed "Digital Omnibus" would allow major tech companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI to use Europeans' personal data to train their AI models based on "legitimate interest," and exempt companies from the GDPR's ban on processing special categories of personal data.

How have privacy activists responded to the proposed GDPR changes?

Privacy activists have strongly condemned the proposed changes, warning they would "gut" the GDPR and flout existing EU case law. Max Schrems of the privacy group noyb called it "a massive downgrading of Europeans' privacy 10 years after the GDPR was adopted."

What other concerns have been raised about the Digital Omnibus proposals?

The European Digital Rights association has slammed a proposal to merge the ePrivacy Directive (the "cookie law") into the GDPR, arguing it would undermine protections for personal data on devices and connected services.

Home / Technology / EU Privacy Law Faces Overhaul as Big Tech Seeks Expanded Data Access

EU Privacy Law Faces Overhaul as Big Tech Seeks Expanded Data Access

10 Nov

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Summary

Proposed changes to EU's GDPR law would make it easier for tech giants to use personal data
Privacy activists warn changes would "gut" the legislation and flout EU case law
Proposals aim to simplify tech, environmental, and financial regulations

EU Privacy Law Faces Overhaul as Big Tech Seeks Expanded Data Access

As of November 10, 2025, the European Commission is proposing significant changes to the EU's landmark General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as part of a broader effort to simplify various technology, environmental, and financial regulations.

The proposed "Digital Omnibus" would allow major tech companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI to use Europeans' personal data to train their AI models based on the legal basis of "legitimate interest." Additionally, companies may be exempted from the GDPR's ban on processing special categories of personal data, such as health or political information, in order to "not disproportionately hinder the development and operation of AI."