Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Under pressure, EU to scale back digital rules
The Mercury
|November 20, 2025
THE EU was expected to unveil plans yesterday to overhaul its AI and data privacy rules after coming under pressure from European and US companies.
-
The proposals are part of the bloc's push to cut red tape to drive greater economic growth and help European businesses catch up with American and Chinese rivals - and reduce dependence on foreign tech giants.
EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen was expected to present the plans alongside the justice commissioner in charge of data protection, Michael McGrath.
Brussels has dismissed claims that its push to "simplify" its digital rules -deeply unpopular in the US - are the result of pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration.
For many EU states, the concern is that the focus on regulation has come at the expense of innovation - although Brussels insists it remains committed to protecting European citizens' rights.
This story is from the November 20, 2025 edition of The Mercury.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Mercury
The Mercury
Shay Mitchell defends skincare line for children: emphasising self-care over beauty standards
AS A MOM, I'm all too familiar with the curiosity little girls have about make-up and skincare.
2 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
SA’s crisis: gender-based violence at five times the global average
RAINBOW South Africa experiences some of the world’s highest levels of violence against women.
1 min
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
G20 acclaim ignores realities in SA
CHLOE Maluleke (The Mercury, November 21) must be commended for placing media acclaim concerning South Africa's hosting of the G20 summit within the context of the realities prevailing in the country.
1 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
KZN prepares for festive season spike in GBV
KWAZULU-NATAL authorities and civil society organisations are preparing for an anticipated rise in gender-based violence (GBV) during the festive season, with data and on-the-ground experience pointing to increased risk linked to alcohol abuse, drug use and family stress.
3 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
Steenhuisen accused of using state resources to purge his political opponents
THE DA leader John Steenhuisen has been accused of applying ‘ANC tactics’ to purge his political opponents ahead of the party’s elective conference next year.
2 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
Challenge to eThekwini city manager’s appointment heads to Concourt
AN ETHEKWINI Municipality employee, who challenged the appointment of eThekwini municipal manager Musa Mbhele on the basis of alleged irregularities in the hiring process, is seeking leave to appeal in the Constitutional Court after the high court dismissed his case.
2 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
Storm destruction in KwaZulu-Natal
One person died, two remain massing as homes, roads washed away in New Hanover
2 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
Sharks look to build momentum in Ireland after first win of the season
THE Sharks will look to back up their first victory of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season when they face Connacht in Galway this weekend, knowing the Irish side has had the upper hand in recent encounters.
1 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
AI technology won’t destroy jobs, it will create new ones
OUR panic about AI is without foundation.
2 mins
November 25, 2025
The Mercury
Human backs depth as Boks seek Welsh scalp
IT’S undoubtedly a blow to be without several frontline stars for this weekend’s final Test of the 2025 season, but the Springboks have grown used to constant team changes over the past year - and they should still approach Saturday’s clash against Wales with minimal disruption.
2 mins
November 25, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size