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EU Considers Cookie Consent Overhaul Amid Privacy Concerns

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The European Commission aims to simplify cookie consent by potentially eliminating the 2009 e-Privacy Directive to reduce red tape and align with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Privacy advocates oppose relaxing the rules, warning it could enable greater surveillance and more targeted advertising.
The Commission plans to present a new legislative framework in December amid debates on balancing privacy rights with the competitiveness of the European tech industry.

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Story summary

The European Commission aims to simplify cookie consent by potentially eliminating the 2009 e-Privacy Directive to reduce red tape and align with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Privacy advocates oppose relaxing the rules, warning it could enable greater surveillance and more targeted advertising.
The Commission plans to present a new legislative framework in December amid debates on balancing privacy rights with the competitiveness of the European tech industry.