"Trumpian legislative practices": Max Schrems criticizes gutting of fundamental rights

The European Commission is reportedly planning significant reforms to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), drawing strong criticism from privacy expert Max Schrems and the organization noyb. Schrems claims that the proposed changes represent a drastic overhaul, potentially undermining forty years of established European fundamental rights doctrines. This development signals a potential shift in the EU's approach to data protection, raising concerns about the future of digital privacy. The plans, revealed in draft documents, suggest the Commission intends to introduce sweeping changes to the GDPR. A key area of concern is the redefinition of "personal data," potentially excluding pseudonymized data from GDPR protections. This could allow companies to track users through pseudonyms like "user12473" or tracking cookies, without strict adherence to the regulation's requirements. These changes could undermine the GDPR's core principles. These proposed revisions to the GDPR could have far-reaching effects, potentially impacting individuals' privacy and the obligations of companies operating in the EU. Critics warn that the changes could create loopholes for advertising tracking and data brokers. This could weaken the current data protection standards, which the EU has frequently touted as a global benchmark. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about balancing data privacy with other considerations, such as business interests and technological advancements. The future of GDPR and its impact on the digital landscape are now under scrutiny as these reforms advance.