The European Parliament has begun discussions on the proposed Data Omnibus legislation, with Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba serving as Parliament’s rapporteur on the file. Earlier today, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) debated the draft legislation, which aims to consolidate existing data laws into a single legislative framework while introducing changes to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Agius Saliba said: “While it is positive that we simplify the rules on data, I have reservations about reducing enforcement when it comes to the core of the European digital regulations. I strongly opposed reducing the protection provided by the GDPR by allowing our personal data to be used for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models. The European Union established a global standard for protecting these rights in the digital era, and there should be no compromises on this.”
The Maltese MEP also argued that the proposed rules on cookie banners should be strengthened. He said citizens should be able to manage consent through their browser settings, while safeguards must ensure that major technology companies such as Google, Apple and Microsoft do not gain greater control over users’ personal data.
Agius Saliba also proposed the creation of a Data Expert Representative, a role intended to support citizens in understanding and exercising their digital rights. He stated: “If we want to give citizens more opportunities to control their personal data, we need to make it easy for them, because to this day these processes remain very complex. This is why I proposed the concept of a Data Expert Representative, who could act on your behalf, support you, inform you about your rights and ultimately negotiate better conditions with the big technology companies. Today there is a clear imbalance of power between the ordinary citizen and these enormous companies, and we need to find ways to rebalance the situation in favour of those who use online services.”
The proposed Data Omnibus package also includes the repeal of the Platform to Business Regulation, adopted in 2019 to protect small businesses in their dealings with online platforms. Agius Saliba opposed its removal, arguing that it would reduce protections for small and medium-sized enterprises operating online.
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