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EU Proposes Cookie Rule Overhaul, Sparks Privacy Debate

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Commission aims to simplify cookie consent rules by potentially eliminating the 2009 e-Privacy Directive and aligning cookie rules with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which offers flexibility.
Privacy advocates oppose the proposal, arguing it could weaken protections against targeted advertising.
The Commission plans to present a new legislative framework, the Digital Fairness Act, next year to address concerns while balancing privacy rights and industry competitiveness.

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Story summary

The European Commission aims to simplify cookie consent rules by potentially eliminating the 2009 e-Privacy Directive and aligning cookie rules with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which offers flexibility.
Privacy advocates oppose the proposal, arguing it could weaken protections against targeted advertising.
The Commission plans to present a new legislative framework, the Digital Fairness Act, next year to address concerns while balancing privacy rights and industry competitiveness.