The European Commission released its Digital Omnibus package today, which it said is intended to streamline rules on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data across the member states.
“Closing the innovation gap and cutting red tape are key drivers to boost the EU’s productivity,” said Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification. “Our Digital Omnibus seeks to do both. Today’s proposal represents an important first step in our digital simplification agenda, aiming to create a more favourable business environment for European companies.”
The Digital Omnibus proposes several amendments to the AI Act, which are intended to simplify rules for companies pursuing AI innovations while still providing safeguards. It also aims to simplify cybersecurity reporting, reduce the number of cookie banners, and improve access to data.
The omnibus outlines a Data Union Strategy, which creates data labs providing AI applications and models expanded access while still protecting sensitive, non-personal data at home and abroad. It also introduces a European Business Wallet, which is expected to reduce administrative processes and costs.
The package could reduce €5B in administrative costs by 2029, and the European European Business Wallets could unlock another €150B in savings for businesses each year, the Commission said.
These updated laws could ease data access for AI training by big tech companies such as Meta Platforms (META), Google (GOOG)(GOOGL), OpenAI (OPENAI), SAP (SAP) and xAI (X.AI).
Tech companies and U.S. President Donald Trump have called on the EU to modify rules regarding some of its digital safeguards.
The digital omnibus will now be presented to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption. However, EU member nations are divided on these changes. A report last week by Politico said Estonia, France, Austria and Slovenia lawmakers oppose any changes to the General Data Protection Regulation. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Germany and Finland demonstrated support in order to help AI flourish in the EU.