Commission Collects Feedback to Simplify Rules on Data, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence in Upcoming Digital Omnibus
On September 16, 2025, the European Commission embarked on an ambitious initiative by launching a call for evidence aimed at gathering feedback and best practices to simplify regulations surrounding data management, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. This effort forms part of a broader Digital Omnibus strategy, signaling the Commission’s awareness of the complexities that have emerged in the digital landscape.
The Rationale Behind the Initiative
The rapid evolution of technology and data utilization has outpaced existing regulations, leading to a fragmented approach across different EU member states. The Commission has recognized that overly complicated rules can hinder innovation and compliance. By soliciting stakeholder input, the aim is to craft a more streamlined framework that balances regulatory oversight with the need for technological advancement.
In this context, stakeholders include businesses, researchers, tech developers, and civil society organizations. The Commission hopes to understand their experiences and gather insights into how existing regulations can be improved.
Areas of Focus
Data Regulations
Data protection remains a cornerstone of the European Union’s digital policy, primarily dictated by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, the intricacies and sometimes ambiguous nature of these regulations can leave many organizations grappling with compliance. The call for evidence seeks to identify specific challenges businesses face when adhering to data management laws, ultimately providing clearer guidelines that can enhance compliance while fostering a robust digital economy.
Cybersecurity Measures
In light of increasing cyber threats, robust cybersecurity measures are non-negotiable. However, many existing frameworks are criticized for being overly complex. The Commission’s initiative aims to collect feedback on cybersecurity regulations from both the public and private sectors. This feedback will be invaluable in understanding how to establish a baseline of mandatory security practices without encumbering organizations with overly cumbersome compliance requirements.
Artificial Intelligence Guidelines
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field, presenting unique challenges in regulation. Existing guidelines often struggle to keep pace with AI innovation, potentially stifling development. The Commission is eager to gather feedback on the application of AI regulations and how they can evolve in line with technological advancements. This feedback will help identify which areas of regulation are most in need of simplification and what types of innovative frameworks could facilitate its growth.
Stakeholder Engagement
To ensure that a diverse range of perspectives is captured, the Commission has made efforts to engage various stakeholders actively. Public consultations, workshops, and forums are being organized to facilitate discussions among entities that are directly impacted by the existing regulations. These efforts underscore the importance of collaboration between policymakers and industry players, aiming to create rules that are not only workable but also reflective of real-world challenges.
The Path Forward
The feedback collected during this period will guide the Commission in drafting the forthcoming Digital Omnibus. This document is expected to encapsulate the simplified rules on data, cybersecurity, and AI, setting a foundation for a more coherent regulatory landscape across the European Union. The ambition is to create an enabling environment that bolsters innovation, increases consumer trust, and ultimately leads to a more integrated digital market.
As this initiative unfolds, stakeholders are advised to participate actively and provide insights that could shape the future of technology regulation in the EU, making their voices heard in an increasingly digital world.