EU threatens to undermine digital civil rights with simplification of AVG
The General Data Protection Regulation (AVG) has become an important guideline for privacy and data protection worldwide since its introduction nearly seven years ago. The law gives people control over their personal data and requires companies to handle that data with care. But that protection is now under pressure.
Tech Policy Press June 11, 2025
The European Commission wants to amend the AVG as part of a broader digitization agenda. Under the guise of simplification, relaxations are being proposed that should ease the burden on businesses, especially SMEs. One such proposal would exempt companies up to 500 employees from documentation requirements even if they process sensitive personal data. Critics warn that this not only affects the protection of citizens, but also increases the risk of abuse.
The plans are part of a broader trend of deregulation that threatens to subordinate fundamental rights to economic interests. Other laws such as the AI Regulation, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act are also coming under pressure. At the same time, accelerated legislative procedures are increasingly being used, limiting parliamentary oversight.
Instead of weakening the AVG, experts argue for strengthening and better enforcement. Strong digital rules are not a brake on innovation, but a prerequisite for trust, fairness and sustainable growth.
Read the full English-language opinion piece at TechPolicy.press:
Why the EU's GDPR 'simplification' reforms could unravel hard-won protections
