EU’s plan to simplify digital laws to benefit mainly large companies at the expense of consumers

The Commission's digital omnibus proposal raises serious concerns regarding consumers’ online privacy and protection. Rather than provide simplification for Europeans, the text presents a watering down of the EU’s privacy rules and a substantial delay and undermining of AI rules that will benefit mainly non-European Big Tech companies. We are disappointed to see this proposal has not considered the recent concerns expressed by legislators, stakeholders and civil society. 

BEUC regrets the Commission’s plans allowing companies to use personal data to develop and operate an AI system without requesting consumers’ consent, increasing the risk of potential misrepresentations of consumers’ past activities. This change would only benefit companies with access to large data sets, while further unbalancing competition with European start-ups and harming consumers.

Although BEUC welcomes the announcement of a Digital Fitness Check, we regret today's changes do not rely on an evidence-based approach and comprehensive consultations.

Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, commented: 

“Consumers were promised simplification to support the European economy and yet the Commission’s proposal can only be read as deregulation almost to the exclusive benefit of Big Tech. 

“Instead of cutting down on consumer rights, the European legislator should focus on making compliance easier to the benefit of European companies and consumers alike. EU consumer and data protection rights are part of Europe’s standards, and they are instrumental to develop a more competitive Europe in line with our values and rights.”