The European Commission proposed delaying parts of the EU's AI rules for up to 16 months and loosening some data-access and cookie-consent requirements to reduce regulatory burden on businesses. The plan would allow broader dataset use for AI training and enable one-click cookie consent saved via browser settings. Privacy campaigners warned the moves could weaken digital rights, while industry groups said the changes are needed to boost competitiveness. The proposals still require approval from EU lawmakers and member states.
EU Proposes Pause on 'High‑Risk' AI Rules and Simplifies Cookie Consent to Ease Regulatory Burden
The European Commission proposed delaying parts of the EU's AI rules for up to 16 months and loosening some data-access and cookie-consent requirements to reduce regulatory burden on businesses. The plan would allow broader dataset use for AI training and enable one-click cookie consent saved via browser settings. Privacy campaigners warned the moves could weaken digital rights, while industry groups said the changes are needed to boost competitiveness. The proposals still require approval from EU lawmakers and member states.
08:19 PM, 11/19/2025Technology
The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a package of proposals to delay parts of the EU's landmark AI regulation and to simplify data-consent rules, saying the moves would cut red tape and help European technology firms compete with international rivals.
EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen said the measures are intended to reduce "regulatory clutter" and make rules an asset rather than a burden for businesses across the 27-nation bloc. The proposals must still be approved by EU lawmakers and member states before becoming law.
Key elements of the commission's draft measures
- Allow firms broader access to datasets for training AI models, including some personal data when processing is based on "legitimate interests."
- Grant businesses extra time — up to 16 months — before parts of the bloc's rules on so-called "high-risk" AI systems come into force.
- Reduce cookie-consent pop-ups by enabling one-click consent and allowing users to save cookie preferences through browser or operating system settings to address user "fatigue."
Supporters argue the changes will help European companies keep pace with US and Chinese rivals and reduce dependency on foreign tech giants. Dozens of major European firms, including Airbus and Mercedes‑Benz, had previously urged a temporary pause for certain AI provisions they said could stifle innovation.
Reactions and concerns
Privacy groups and digital-rights campaigners expressed alarm. Austrian activist Max Schrems called the proposals "the biggest attack on Europeans' digital rights in years," and protest groups such as People vs Big Tech staged demonstrations in Brussels to demand that leaders defend strong digital safeguards.
Parliamentary centrists — a key ally of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's political camp — welcomed efforts to "modernise" the rules but warned that simplification must not weaken protections for privacy, data and fundamental rights.
Industry groups welcomed the plan. Alexandre Roure of CCIA Europe described the proposals as a helpful simplification while urging further measures to support digital competitiveness.
Context and next steps
Analysts caution that regulation is only one factor behind Europe's tech competitiveness: fragmented national rules, limited access to scale-up financing and shortages of skilled labour also play a role, said Mario Mariniello of the Bruegel think tank. The commission said it will continue to look for ways to balance innovation with the protection of citizens' privacy and rights.
The commission's proposals will now enter negotiations with the European Parliament and member states before any changes can be adopted.