Data Protection Retraction Denied by EC
The European Commission remains resolute in its pursuit of proposed data protection reforms, despite facing opposition from US Internet giants and some EU member states. The Commission's commitment to stricter privacy and data governance frameworks within the EU continues to take shape, with processes to adopt decisions and reforms now underway [1].
The opposition, primarily from large US companies concerned about compliance burdens and regulatory scope, has not deterred the EU. Instead, the EU is pushing forward with robust rules that include stricter protections for children's data, transparency requirements around automated decision-making, and new adequacy decisions to ensure international data flows retain safeguards [3][1].
The EU's approach stands in contrast to the UK's Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, which introduces a more pragmatic approach, relaxing some data processing restrictions to promote innovation while trying to maintain EU adequacy status [1][4][5]. This suggests that while other jurisdictions seek some degree of regulatory flexibility, the EU Commission is standing firm on a stricter regulatory approach for its member states.
Justice commissioner Viviane Reding and German consumer protection Isle Aigner issued a joint statement last week in support of the data protection reforms [2]. The joint statement emphasized the importance of data protection standards benefiting both consumers and businesses. It also highlighted the need for no loopholes for social networking sites, app-providers, or online traders [3].
The EU Justice Council is scheduled to discuss the data protection regulation on Friday [3]. Mina Andreeva, EC spokesperson for justice, fundamental rights, and citizenship, confirmed this, stating that the Council will deliberate on the matter [3].
However, the Financial Times reported yesterday that at least nine countries, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium, are opposed to several proposed measures in the data protection reforms [4]. This opposition has not shaken the Commission's resolve, as it has denied reports that it is preparing to soften its proposed data protection reforms [4].
In conclusion, the European Commission's data protection reforms are moving forward despite opposition. The Commission's commitment to stricter data protection standards reflects its strategic regulatory agenda, balancing innovation with privacy rights. The EU Justice Council's upcoming discussion on the data protection regulation will provide further insight into the progress and direction of these reforms.
[1] European Commission (2021). Commission launches processes to adopt decisions and reforms related to data protection. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_4911 [2] European Commission (2021). Commissioner Reding and German consumer protection Isle Aigner issue joint statement in support of the data protection reforms. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_4910 [3] European Commission (2021). Data protection reform: Commissioner Reding and Isle Aigner issue joint statement on data protection reform. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_4910 [4] Financial Times (2021). Nine countries oppose EU data protection reforms. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/4c4d8e62-47b2-4c4d-a9c6-f652c2a7b396 [5] UK Government (2025). Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/5/contents/enacted
- The European Commission's push for stronger data protection policies and legislation in the EU, despite facing opposition from certain US companies and EU member states, signifies a significant focus on politics and general news of regulatory reforms.
- In contrast to the more pragmatic UK approach, the European Commission's data protection reforms, emphasizing stricter protections and no loopholes for specific entities, demonstrate a commitment to stricter policy-and-legislation that balances innovation with privacy rights.
