EU moves to simplify GDPR and AI Act obligations, raising compliance questions for companies
By 
Neil Hodge2025-12-10T15:30:00
For the past decade, Europe has been at the forefront of designing strong—but flexible—rules around data use and the safe development of AI. The EU recently announced plans to simplify some key measures around data privacy and AI governance have met with a mixed response from businesses, consumer groups, and data experts.
On Nov. 19, the European Commission, the European Union’s executive body, proposed several changes as part of its “Digital Omnibus” initiative to make compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act easier for companies, while also attempting to provide more even oversight and enforcement of the rules across the single market.
Related articles
-
ArticleU.K. outlines AI sandbox plan as regulators weigh compliance risks
The U.K. has set out a new blueprint for AI regulation, which aims to slash bureaucracy and ramp up the safe adoption of new and emerging technology to unlock potential and boost investment.
-
ArticleComplying with the EU Data Act – What companies should know
Companies could face significant compliance challenges in trying to meet new EU legal requirements about how companies share data with third parties.
-
PremiumNew EU Data Act may impact companies’ GDPR compliance efforts
New rules that have recently come into effect across the EU will allow for greater transfers of data between companies, though experts fear the changes could conflict with Europe’s strict privacy legislation, which protects personal information.
More from Regulatory Policy
-
News BriefSEC exam priorities for 2026 signal heightened focus on firmwide compliance
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Examinations released its 2026 examination priorities, which give companies a roadmap of areas of heightened risk and regulatory focus for next year.
-
ArticlePharma sector boom puts pressure on compliance to counter financial crime
Regulation is a matter of life and death in the pharmaceutical industry. Rules to combat practices that can kill have been in force for decades, but tech developments are rapidly creating new risks and focusing lawmakers’ attention on areas where some compliance teams may lack experience.
-
News BriefCostco sues federal government over Trump-era tariffs, seeks refund rights
Wholesale retailer Costco would like a tariff refund from the U.S. government, if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by imposing them.