Source: National Law Review

National Law Review reports that the European Commission has officially withdrawn two major legislative proposals: the long-debated ePrivacy Regulation and the AI Liability Directive. The decision has sparked significant legal and industry debate, as both regulations were seen as central to the EU’s strategy on data privacy and artificial intelligence governance.

The ePrivacy Regulation aimed to complement the GDPR by tightening rules around electronic communications, but it faced opposition over concerns about stifling innovation and increasing compliance burdens. The AI Liability Directive, intended to establish clear legal accountability for damages caused by AI systems, also faced criticism for being overly complex and potentially hindering AI development.

Legal experts believe the withdrawal signals a shift in the EU’s approach to AI and data regulation, possibly favoring more flexible, innovation-friendly frameworks. However, privacy advocates warn that the absence of clear regulations could leave gaps in consumer protection and legal accountability in the AI landscape.