November 25, 2025, 12:33 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The EU Commission plans to reform the General Data Protection Regulation to reduce cookie prompts. This aims to cut bureaucracy and make cookie usage more convenient for consumers.
The EU Commission is planning a reform of digital regulations to simplify internet use. This is intended to eventually make annoying cookie banners a thing of the past. The goal is to reorganize data protection, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. This should relieve companies and member states from the complexity of current regulations. Despite criticism from data protection advocates, the European AI law is also set to be adjusted to foster innovation.
Simplified GDPR Planned
A central aspect of the reform is the simplification of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in effect since 2018. In the future, users will no longer need to actively consent via pop-up cookie banners for technically necessary processes for website operation.
This will only be required for critical technologies, as outlined in a new Digital Package from the EU. Additionally, browsers should be able to permanently store these settings to avoid repeated prompts. These changes aim to ease cookie management and make web browsing more comfortable.
Cookies are small files stored on a user’s device to save information such as login data or shopping carts and enable personalized advertising. However, data protection advocates warn of the risks, as cookies provide insights into user behavior.
Criticism from Corporations and Data Protection Advocates
International companies like Meta, Apple, Google, and Amazon criticize the EU regulations as too strict and sometimes contradictory. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also accused the EU of burdening American tech companies with too many regulations. In addition to resistance from the U.S., there are concerns from European consumer advocates.
Over 120 organizations, including Amnesty International, expressed their concerns in an open letter. They warn of a setback in protecting civil rights, as existing digital laws serve as a shield against digital exploitation and surveillance. Despite the planned simplifications, balancing data protection and user-friendliness remains a challenge for the EU Commission.