Revealed: New data shows Big Tech lobbying pushing EU towards sweeping data-protection rollback

Research by Corporate Europe Observatory and LobbyControl reveals that Big Tech lobbying is influencing the EU to deregulate data protection laws. The report highlights a campaign involving Germany and Ireland aimed at weakening European data safeguards. It details how MEPs are engaging with Big Tech lobbyists under the pretext of promoting AI innovation. The proposed Digital Omnibus, introduced by the EU Commission, seeks to simplify regulations but may allow AI companies to bypass existing data protection rules. Critics warn this could undermine the GDPR, enabling data collection without consent for AI training. The report notes a significant increase in lobbyist meetings as Big Tech spending rises.