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ARTICLE · 10 NOVEMBER 2026

Digital Rulebook: Simplification Of EU Data Protection And Cyber Rules

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

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The European Union Council has agreed to a proposal simplifying data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity rules across the bloc. The Digital Omnibus package aims to reduce regulatory burden while maintaining strong personal data protections, introducing changes to GDPR compliance, cookie consent requirements, and incident reporting procedures.

European UnionPrivacy
Anushree Som
Anushree Som
Sara-Jane Higgins
Sara-Jane Higgins
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On 21 October 2026, the Council of the European Union agreed a proposal to simplify parts of the EU's rules on data protection, privacy and cybersecurity. The aim is to make the rules clearer and easier to follow for businesses, public bodies and individuals, while keeping strong protection for personal data. The proposal is part of the "Digital Omnibus", one of a series of EU packages designed to cut red tape and improve competitiveness (see our previous article here).

Changes to the GDPR

While maintaining the current definition of "personal data", the Council proposes adding a new provision explaining how pseudonymised data relates to the identification of an individual to help organisations understand their obligations. The Council's negotiating position on the Digital Omnibus would keep the GDPR definition of personal data but add a new Article 25a clarifying when pseudonymized data are personal data. This reflects the CJEU's ruling in EDPS v SRB (C-413/23 P) and the EDPB's

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