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EU Proposes Cookie Rule Reform Amid Privacy Concerns

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The European Commission plans to reform cookie consent rules to cut red tape by eliminating the 2009 e-Privacy Directive's cookie consent requirements.
Industry representatives favor integrating cookie rules into the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for a more flexible approach.
Privacy advocates warn that relaxing rules could weaken protection against targeted advertising.
The Commission faces opposition from privacy groups as talks on digital legislation, including the Digital Fairness Act, proceed.

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Story summary

The European Commission plans to reform cookie consent rules to cut red tape by eliminating the 2009 e-Privacy Directive's cookie consent requirements.
Industry representatives favor integrating cookie rules into the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for a more flexible approach.
Privacy advocates warn that relaxing rules could weaken protection against targeted advertising.
The Commission faces opposition from privacy groups as talks on digital legislation, including the Digital Fairness Act, proceed.