Digital Omnibus: On a collision course with digital fundamental rights

The European Commission has unveiled a "digital omnibus" reform package, sparking concerns about the potential erosion of digital rights. This initiative aims to revise several key digital legislations, including the AI Act, IT security laws, the Data Act, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Critics fear these changes could represent a significant setback for digital rights. The proposed revisions include allowing AI companies greater latitude in training their systems with personal data. The Commission suggests individuals should only have the right to object, rather than requiring explicit consent, and potentially postponing certain regulations for hazardous AI systems. Furthermore, there's a push to redefine "personal data," potentially excluding pseudonymized data, while also limiting the rights of individuals to access or delete their data. These proposals have already drawn criticism from civil society organizations and consumer protection groups, who highlight the potential negative impact on privacy. The Commission's motivation is to enhance Europe's competitiveness in the global AI race, echoing statements from high-ranking officials. However, critics question how weakening data protection will benefit European companies in a market dominated by US and Chinese firms. The current GDPR framework isn't perfect, and reforms are needed, but this specific approach is highly problematic. The future of digital rights in Europe hinges on how these reforms are shaped.