Bitkom survey: Large majority of companies calls for GDPR reform

A recent survey by Bitkom reveals a significant majority of European businesses are calling for reform of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The findings highlight growing concerns over the administrative burden and its impact on digital transformation efforts across the continent. This push for change underscores the ongoing debate about balancing data protection with fostering innovation and economic growth within the EU's digital landscape. The survey indicates that a staggering 97% of the surveyed companies report facing high levels of effort in complying with GDPR. Furthermore, three-quarters of the businesses believe that the current regulations are hindering their ability to fully embrace digitalization. These results suggest a widespread perception that the GDPR, while intended to safeguard data privacy, is creating excessive compliance costs and bureaucratic hurdles for businesses of all sizes. The implications of this dissatisfaction are substantial, potentially affecting Europe's competitiveness in the global digital economy. Overly burdensome regulations may discourage investment in innovative technologies and digital services, slowing down the adoption of new business models. As the EU continues to develop new digital policies like the AI Act, there will be further scrutiny on the GDPR's impact.