Simplifying EU Digital Legislation: Clear Rules Instead of Undermining Fundamental Rights

European digital legislation protects consumers online. The European Commission wants to simplify these digital rules. Ramona Pop, Executive Director at Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband, comments:

"Simplifying digital laws must not lead to deregulation at the expense of our fundamental values. It’s about protecting our personal data, safeguarding against manipulation of our decisions by AI, and preserving our right to decide what we want to disclose online and what we don’t. If the EU loosens these rules, it hands companies loopholes on a silver platter while simultaneously weakening consumer rights.

Instead of dismantling consumer protection and fundamental rights under the guise of reducing bureaucracy, the EU must ensure clear rules while maintaining the existing level of protection. With its current plans, the EU is jeopardizing consumer trust. Yet this trust is essential for the acceptance of digital services like AI and thus the foundation for innovation and stable markets."

Background

On November 19, 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the Digital Omnibus Act. With the Digital Omnibus, the Commission aims to reduce bureaucracy and make rules more practical. The proposal includes changes to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the e-Privacy reform, and the AI Act.