The European Commission has presented a so-called “digital omnibus package.” Officially, it is intended to simplify and harmonize existing digital legislation, including data protection, data, and AI rules. Experts, however, warn that the proposed changes go far beyond technical adjustments. They fear a lowering of data protection standards, a weakening of existing safeguards, and negative consequences for fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom of information.
On this, ESN Member of the European Parliament Mary Khan, who serves on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), stated:
“What the European Commission is presenting here as mere ‘simplification’ is in reality a massive interference with Europe’s established protection standards. Under the guise of cutting red tape, core fundamental rights are being put up for negotiation. Instead of defending Europe’s high data protection standards, the Commission is opening the door to a gradual erosion of the GDPR.
It is particularly alarming that existing safeguards against abusive tracking, opaque AI systems, and uncontrolled data use could be weakened. Civil rights organizations are rightly warning that this could also indirectly affect press freedom. Anyone who relativizes data protection also weakens the protection of journalistic sources, and with it one of the cornerstones of any free society.
The Commission seems to be aligning itself ever more closely with the interests of major technology corporations instead of consistently defending citizens’ rights. If binding protection obligations are weakened and control mechanisms relaxed, it is not the people of Europe who benefit, but global digital corporations.
We will firmly oppose this course. Europe does not need creeping deregulation at the expense of freedom, but clear, enforceable rules that protect civil rights instead of surrendering them.”
