Under pressure, EU to scale back digital rules

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.

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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.