The EU Commission has secretly set in motion a potentially massive reform of the GDPR. noybs first overview of the proposed changes.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/38782740

As gradually leaked the last days by various news outlets, the EU Commission has secretly set in motion a potentially massive reform of the GDPR. If internal drafts become reality, this would have significant impact on people’s fundamental right to privacy and data protection. The reform would be part of the so-called “Digital Omnibus” which was supposed to only bring targeted adjustments to simplify compliance for businesses. Now, the Commission proposes changes to core elements like the definition of “personal data” and all data subject’s rights under the GDPR. The leaked draft also suggests to give AI companies (like Google, Meta or OpenAI) a blank check to suck up European’s personal data. In addition, the special protection of sensitive data like health data, political views or sexual orientation would be significantly reduced. Also, remote access to personal data on PCs or smart phones without consent of the user would be enabled. Many elements of the envisaged reform would overturn CJEU case law, violate European Conventions and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. If this extreme draft will become the official position of the European Commission, will only become clear on 19 November, when the “Digital Omnibus” will be officially presented. Schrems: “This would be a massive downgrading of European’s privacy ten years after the GDPR was adopted.”

  • verdi@feddit.org
    8·
    5 hours ago

    If they allow US companies to suck up our data it will be the last straw for me with western society. Privacy is a right that I refuse the pedophile in chief to take away.

    edit: how can one find who is responsible for the draft proposal?

    • themurphy@lemmy.ml
      811·
      8 hours ago

      Because it’s a “leaked draft”.

      If they are the only one reporting on it, chances are it’s not true. Or the final proposal will look nothing like it.

      Dont underestimate what these “outlets” will do for clicks.

      • nyankas@lemmy.ml
        17·
        7 hours ago

        This is actually not only being reported by noyb (which also isn’t an outlet, but an NGO specializing in data protection matters) but also by netzpolitik.org and even heise.de (both German).

        All three have been very reliable in the past, so I don‘t think there‘s any reason for doubting the authenticity of the documents.

          • Evil_Shrubbery@thelemmy.club
            7·
            6 hours ago

            Never too early to revolt - why should we be paving the road for megacorps to own/enslave us even more?

            At least educate the consumers on what is at stake, it’s a very complex subject.

            • themurphy@lemmy.ml
              2·
              4 hours ago

              We shouldnt. I’ll be the first to protest. But I’ve also learned that alot of forces are trying to smear the EU lately.

              And guess who.

              • Evil_Shrubbery@thelemmy.club
                1·
                2 hours ago

                Yes, I agree with that sort of caution, but the tech giants have already been successful (MS in particular with their OneDrive locations).

                A full revolt is a strong word, but perhaps a campaign to help EU bureaucratic workers (idk, the ones working professionally on legislative docs that don’t have political jobs - so eg various review agencies) bcs they are doing amazing job.

                And with public understanding why privacy & digital ownership rules matter we make their jobs easier (otherwise they are between a loud lobby & a quiet public trying to do their best for the public).

  • schnurrito@discuss.tchncs.de
    22·
    9 hours ago

    Reforming the GDPR is in principle a good idea because many of the terms used in it are so vague that it’s completely unclear what it does or doesn’t mean.

    Somehow I suspect that improving this isn’t what’s going to happen…

    • chgxvjh [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
      2·
      7 hours ago

      I believe in the beginning no company was compliant, the courts didn’t want to destroy capitalism so they only fined the most egregious offenders and now courts are following the initial precedents and only convict in 1-2% of cases.

    • themurphy@lemmy.ml
      311·
      8 hours ago

      As many other “leaked drafts” the media spits out, it never actually gets close to what’s happening.

      Lets see a real draft from an official source. They will always be available when they are actually done.