Digital Omnibus: EU Commission apparently aims for a sweeping reduction in data protection

The European Commission is reportedly planning significant changes to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), sparking concerns about weakened digital privacy protections. The so-called "digital omnibus" initiative aims to streamline digital regulations, but could come at the cost of individual rights. This development follows increasing calls for revisions to the GDPR, and signals a potential shift in the EU's approach to data protection. Reports indicate that the Commission intends to expand the use of pseudonymized data, while potentially reducing protections for sensitive data categories. The Commission's plans, as revealed by sources, could include shifting online tracking regulations entirely to the GDPR, and reducing protection for sensitive data. These plans are raising concerns over the potential for increased data exploitation and the erosion of individual privacy rights, especially in light of recent revelations of how easily pseudonymized data can be exploited. These potential changes could impact both individuals and businesses operating within the EU. Weaker data protection could lead to increased surveillance and data breaches, affecting the trust of consumers. Furthermore, this move could influence the ongoing debate around data governance, impacting how companies collect, process, and use personal data within the digital ecosystem. The Commission's proposal is expected to be unveiled on November 19, with further details on the planned changes to be released. The digital omnibus initiative aims to simplify digital regulation, potentially impacting the balance between innovation, data protection, and digital sovereignty.