The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) warns that the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus package represents the largest rollback of digital rights in EU history. Following yesterday's findings by the EU Ombudsman that the current approach amounts to maladministration, the Commission must accept the result of EU law-making rather than ceding to US pressure to slash regulation that holds Big Tech accountable to the people of Europe.
The Digital Omnibus package proposes to gut flagship digital legislation that makes Europe a global leader in digital rights. For example, in the AI Act, provisions for high-risk applications of AI systems, including in workplaces, would be watered down, delaying implementation and reducing oversight. Similarly on the GDPR, a series of exemptions would pave the way for invasive tracking and profiling, reduce safeguards for sensitive data and weaken transparency and accountability.
Isabelle Schömann, ETUC Deputy General Secretary, said:
“None of these proposals will strengthen competitiveness. On the contrary, the Digital Omnibus package will weaken the resilience of the internal market. Instead of gutting the flagship European regulations that make a difference, the EU must adapt its competition policies and ensure investment in new technologies so that European companies are better equipped to do good business in the EU.”
“It is unacceptable for the Commission to dismantle essential regulatory safeguards for workers and society while claiming to simplify administrative burdens. Protecting workers' personal data and respecting their fundamental rights is not a regulatory burden. This rhetoric is misleading; this initiative is dangerous.
“The European Commission should withdraw the Digital Omnibus package and respect the process that delivered the EU’s digital legislation. Instead of dismantling flagship regulations like the AI Act and GDPR, the EU should focus on adapting competition policies and investing in innovation to strengthen Europe’s digital leadership.”
