EU AI data proposal sparks privacy backlash as Ireland’s Tánaiste calls for balance

Draft legislation from the European Commission seeks to relax GDPR constraints, permitting the use of personal data for AI development under a “legitimate interest” justification, and is now with the Council of the European Union, which Ireland chairs. Digital-rights activist Max Schrems of NOYB condemned the proposal as a “digital expropriation” that would hand European data to large tech firms and shift know-how to the US or China.

The Irish Council of Civil Liberties echoed the criticism, labeling the changes as “insanity” and warning they would strip existing safeguards. Tánaiste Simon Harris responded, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between AI advancement and privacy, citing Mark Carney’s call for a global AI oversight body. Harris argued Europe has traditionally strong data protection but must ensure regulation does not stifle beneficial uses such as medical breakthroughs. He cautioned against a self-regulatory “wild west” and called for thoughtful policy.