Europe Begins Rethinking Its Crackdown on Big Tech

Policymakers move to ease AI and data‑privacy regulations

In a noticeable shift from the continent’s recent regulatory sprint, European officials are drafting amendments that would simplify and scale back the sweeping rules introduced for artificial intelligence and data protection.

The original framework, hailed as a landmark in digital governance, has faced criticism for its complexity and the heavy compliance burden it places on technology firms. Critics argue that the strict requirements could stifle innovation and put European companies at a competitive disadvantage.

According to sources inside the European Commission, the proposed revisions aim to retain the core objectives of safeguarding user privacy and ensuring trustworthy AI, while reducing administrative overhead for businesses.

Key elements under review include:

• Risk‑assessment obligations for AI systems, which may be streamlined to focus on high‑impact applications.
• Data‑transfer provisions that could be aligned more closely with existing international standards.
• Enforcement mechanisms that would grant national regulators greater flexibility in applying penalties.

Industry groups have welcomed the prospect of a more balanced approach, emphasizing that a “reasonable” regulatory environment is essential for fostering both innovation and consumer trust.

The revised proposals are expected to be presented to the European Parliament later this year, sparking a fresh debate on how best to protect citizens without hampering the digital economy.