The European Commission has proposed significant changes to the EU’s flagship data protection and artificial intelligence frameworks, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens and stimulate economic growth. The revisions would simplify the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by easing data-sharing restrictions and reducing cookie pop-ups, while also delaying enforcement of key provisions in the AI Act governing high-risk systems. The proposal allows AI firms to use personal data for model training under certain GDPR safeguards and introduces lighter documentation requirements for smaller companies. Brussels argues the reforms will foster innovation without compromising fundamental rights, but critics accuse the EU of bowing to Big Tech and undermining privacy protections. The plan, part of a broader “Digital Omnibus” package, will now go before the European Parliament and member states for approval, a process expected to face intense political and civil society scrutiny.