Source: Global Policy Watch

Global Policy Watch outlines a significant legislative development from Brussels, where the European Commission proposed the "Digital Omnibus" package on November 19, 2025. This comprehensive proposal aims to revise the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other key digital rules to better align with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. A central component of the reform is to provide legal certainty for AI developers by clarifying how personal data can be processed for training AI models , specifically addressing the tension between strict privacy protections and the data-hungry nature of machine learning algorithms.

The package introduces targeted amendments to streamline cooperation between data protection authorities across member states, attempting to solve the fragmentation that has plagued GDPR enforcement. Furthermore, it seeks to harmonize the GDPR with the recently enacted AI Act, ensuring that definitions and compliance obligations do not overlap or contradict one another. The proposal creates a more robust framework for cross-border data transfers and governance, signalling the EU's intent to remain a global regulatory standard-setter while attempting to foster a more competitive environment for European digital innovation.