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Brussels is preparing a digital omnibus to streamline tech rules by reopening the GDPR, easing data use for AI. Draft plans seen by POLITICO would let developers process special category data, reframe what counts as personal data (saying some pseudonymized information may fall outside its scope), and loosen cookie banner rules to justify tracking beyond consent. Unveiling Nov. 19 risks a fierce political fight: privacy advocates and several countries object, while Germany and some lawmakers back changes to boost competitiveness. Critics call the process rushed and underassessed.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.