EU

The Digital Omnibus: Deregulation Dressed as Innovation

EU’s Digital Omnibus loosens data and AI safeguards for workers under the guise of fostering innovation, benefiting mainly US tech giants. It consolidates data laws but lacks serious impact assessments, weakening protections and oversight for workers in AI-dominated workplaces. Changes to GDPR and AI regulations allow employers greater control over personal data, limiting workers’ rights to transparency and resistance against automated decisions, while reducing oversight and AI literacy obligations. Overall, the document argues that the Omnibus prioritizes competitiveness over worker protections, shifting risks onto vulnerable users.

https://www.socialeurope.eu/the-digital-omnibus-deregulation-dressed-as-innovation

Europe’s Digital Sovereignty Hinges on Smarter Regulation for Data Access

Extreme TLDR: Europe’s digital sovereignty depends on smarter data regulation amid market concentration in AI. Simplifying regulation fails to support new tech entrants, as access to data is key for competitiveness. A proposed European Data Commons could enhance access and legal clarity for start-ups while ensuring compensation for content creators, thus fostering innovation without losing regulatory ambition.

https://www.techpolicy.press/europes-digital-sovereignty-hinges-on-smarter-regulation-for-data-access/

‘Pure Regulatory Chaos’: Move to Help Europe Win Artificial Intelligence Race Misfires

The European Commission has delayed final AI Act rules meant to regulate high-risk AI systems, following pressure from industry. This delay creates significant uncertainty, as required legislative changes may not be completed before the current August 2026 deadline. If lawmakers miss this deadline, confusing legal gaps could arise. The pause could last up to 16 months, but may end sooner, leaving businesses unsure about planning and compliance. Companies and experts describe the situation as chaotic, with some pausing compliance work while others press on. The result is widespread criticism that this uncertainty undermines legal stability and Europe’s tech competitiveness.

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ai-race-tech-legal-mess-build-legislators/

2026: the Year AI Grows Up

Taylor Wessing provides insights on upcoming AI regulations and developments for 2026, highlighting the maturity of AI technologies and compliance requirements due to the EU AI Act. Companies must prepare for risks associated with high-risk AI systems, including implementing risk management protocols and achieving dataset quality. The introduction of Codes of Practice will guide compliance, while potential changes in personal data use regulations could impact AI development. The firm also anticipates discussions on copyright, AI liability insurance, and the integration of AI agents into workflows, emphasizing the necessity for standardization and cybersecurity in an evolving landscape marked by both innovation and increased threat actor sophistication.

https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/interface/2025/predictions-2026/2026-the-year-ai-grows-up

Commission Launches Consultation on Protocols for Reserving Rights From Text and Data Mining Under the AI Act and the GPAI Code of Practice

EU launched a consultation for stakeholders on text and data mining rights under AI Act, focusing on opt-out protocols. It invites feedback from rights holders and parties involved in AI developments, aiming for compliance with copyright rules. An online session is planned on December 9, 2025, to discuss technical solutions and next steps.

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/consultations/commission-launches-consultation-protocols-reserving-rights-text-and-data-mining-under-ai-act-and

EU Reaches Provisional Deal to Update Payment Services Rules

EU finalizes provisional agreement to update payment service rules, focusing on fraud prevention, fee transparency, and consumer protections. Key changes include stronger anti-fraud measures, data exchange requirements for payment service providers (PSPs), mandatory fee disclosures for ATM and card services, and new cash withdrawal options at retailers. The reforms aim to foster consumer trust and adapt to emerging digital payment models.

https://thepaypers.com/regulations/news/eu-reaches-provisional-deal-to-update-payment-services-rules

Top 10 Proposed Changes in the EU’s Digital Omnibus

EU’s Digital Omnibus proposes reforms to modernize regulations such as the GDPR, NIS2, Data Act, and AI Act. Key changes include redefining personal data, expanding lawful processing bases for AI, refining data subject access rules, and altering cookie consent requirements. It aims to simplify reporting in cybersecurity and adjust deadlines for high-risk AI obligations. The legislative process may modify these proposals.

https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/publications/top-10-proposed-changes-in-the-eus-digital-omnibus

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