On 6 May, the EBU and a coalition of associations representing the media sector expressed strong concerns about the data usage consent-related provisions included in the Commission’s Proposal for a Digital Omnibus amending data protection, cybersecurity and privacy rules. In particular, the letter highlights the significant restrictions that the newly proposed Art. 88a GDPR and Art. 88b GDPR would represent for media services.

The provisions would not only limit the media’s ability to ask users directly for their consent and determine the frequency and content of such requests but would also introduce a de facto centralised model of user consent management through browsers or other general settings. This would significantly hinder media services’ capacity to engage with their users and to provide innovative offerings.

"The Digital Omnibus can make a real difference, but we must ensure that simplification translates into concrete benefits for Europe’s media sector and strengthens the public service remit." said François Lavoir, Senior EU Policy Adviser at the EBU.

The letter highlights that the proposed Articles 88a & 88b GDPR:

• Introduce severe restrictions on the ability to request consent from users, while providing an exemption for media that is not sufficient to preserve the viability of the sector.
• Fail to accommodate existing audience measurement systems, industry practices and methodologies.

The letter calls for the deletion of proposed Art. 88a(4) & 88b GDPR to ensure that media companies can continue to provide news and media offerings in a highly competitive digital environment. It furthermore calls on the Commission to conduct a holistic assessment and evaluation of the data protection acquis to identify a workable, balanced solutions for all stakeholders.

Read the full letter to the right.