After years of staring down the world’s biggest tech companies and setting the bar for tough regulation worldwide, Europe has blinked. Under intense pressure from industry and the US government, Brussels is stripping protections from its flagship [General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)](https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/28/17172548/gdpr-compliance-requirements-privacy-notice) — including simplifying its infamous cookie permission pop-ups — and relaxing or delaying landmark AI rules in an effort to cut red tape and revive sluggish economic growth. The changes, proposed by the European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, changes core elements of the GDPR, making it easier for companies to share anonymized and pseudonymized personal datasets. They would allow AI companies to legally use personal data to train AI models, so long as that training complies with other GDPR requirements. The proposal also waters down a key part of Europe’s sweeping artificial intelligence rules, the [AI Act](https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/14/24001919/eu-ai-act-foundation-models-regulation-data), which came into force in 2024 but had many elements that would only come into effect later. The change extends the grace period for rules governing high-risk AI systems that pose “serious risks” to health, safety, or fundamental rights, which were due to come into effect next summer. The rules will now only apply once it’s confirmed that “the needed standards and support tools are available” to AI companies. One change that’s likely to please almost everyone is a reduction in Europe’s ubiquitous cookie banners and pop-ups. Under the new proposal, some “non-risk” cookies won’t trigger pop-ups at all, and users would be able to control others from central browser controls that apply to websites broadly. Other amendments in the new Digital Omnibus include simplified AI documentation requirements for smaller companies, a unified interface for companies to report cybersecurity incidents, and centralizing oversight of AI into the bloc’s AI Office. “This is being done in the European way.” “We have all the ingredients in the EU to succeed. But our companies, especially our start-ups and small businesses, are often held back by layers of rigid rules,” said Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty at the European Commission. “By cutting red tape, simplifying EU laws, opening access to data and introducing a common European Business Wallet we are giving space for innovation to happen and to be marketed in Europe. This is being done in the European way: by making sure that fundamental rights of users remain fully protected.” The proposal now heads to the European Parliament and the EU’s 27 member states — where it will need a [qualified majority](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/voting-system/qualified-majority/) — for approval, a process that could drag on for months and potentially introduce significant changes. The proposed overhaul won’t land quietly in Brussels, and if the development of the GDPR and AI Act are anything to go by, a political and lobbying firestorm is on its way. The GDPR is a cornerstone of Europe’s tech strategy and as close to sacred as a policy can be. Leaked drafts have already provoked outrage among civil rights groups and politicians, who have accused the Commission of weakening fundamental safeguards and bowing to pressure from Big Tech. The decision follows months of intense pressure from Big Tech and Donald Trump — as well as high-profile internal figures like ex-Italian prime minister and former head of the European Central Bank — urging the bloc to weaken burdensome tech regulation. The Commission has sought to frame the changes as simplifying the EU’s tech laws, not weakening them – a way of soothing growing fears in Brussels that its tough rules are hampering its ability to compete globally. With very few exceptions, Europe doesn’t have any credible competitors in the global AI race, which is dominated by US and Chinese companies like DeepSeek, Google, and OpenAI. **Follow topics and authors** from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Partner Content From This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff. [](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Smart-Home/N-5yc1vZc1jw) It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and it’s even better when your house is prepared. With the right smart products, you’ll be ready for surprise guests, endless gift deliveries, and worry-free holiday travel, so you can focus on maximizing joy. This holiday season, recapture tranquility with smart home products that put control and automation at your fingertips while taking away stress and unease. Whether it’s a smart doorbell to ensure your gifts arrive safely or an app-controlled smart lock for when the in-laws show up early, [The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Smart-Home/N-5yc1vZc1jw) has the brands you want — at great prices, and with fast delivery. While the retailer’s smart home catalog runs far and wide, we’ve rounded up a few choices from top brands that are sure to make your life easier. [](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Blink-Camera.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100) Courtesy of The Home Depot ## Blink Outdoor Camera Talk about peace of mind: the Blink Outdoor Camera provides a high-definition live view of your home’s exterior whether it’s the middle of the day or the dead of night, so you’ll know your cameras always have an eye out even as you visit family this holiday season. With two-way audio, you can tell the delivery driver where to stash a box, while enhanced motion detection means you’ll only get alerted when it really matters. The two-year battery life means you won’t be swapping out batteries, even during the busiest times. Plus it’s easy to operate via the Blink smartphone app or any Alexa-enabled device. *Disclaimer:**Battery life of up to two years based on default settings. Will vary based on device settings, use, and environmental factors.* **[Shop now at The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Blink-Outdoor-4-Core-Wireless-Battery-Operated-Smart-Security-Camera-System-w-1-Cameras-and-Included-Sync-Module-Core-Black-B0DHLSZXQD/335470212)** [](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Ring-Floodlight-and-Camera_crop.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100) Courtesy of The Home Depot ## Ring Floodlight Cam Pro (Wired) Though your security cameras may already come equipped with night vision, many homeowners add a layer to their offerings with motion-sensored lighting to deter unwanted guests. This Ring Floodlight provides just that, plus a camera that will capture any LED-floodlit trespassers with 2K video. It features precision 3D motion detection and crisp audio, and it comes with Ring’s Birds Eye View setting, enabling an aerial view of your home and equipping you with custom motion zones to pinpoint movement. **[Shop now at The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ring-Floodlight-Cam-Pro-Wired-Security-Camera-with-2K-Video-Ring-Vision-2-LED-Lights-and-3D-Motion-Detection-Black-B0CG6RXMNV/329107044)** [](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Google-Nest-Video-Doorbell.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.02498750624688,100,99.950024987506) Courtesy of The Home Depot ## Google Nest Video Doorbell (Battery) Most homeowners try their best to make sure packages don’t arrive while they’re away on vacation, so they’re not sitting around to get swiped. But this time of year, between unexpected packages and the unpredictable nature of delivery windows, it can be more difficult to forecast. A video doorbell, like the one made by Google Nest, provides the peace of mind of knowing you’ll be able to check in from wherever you are. It’s a battery-powered video doorbell that works with any door, and it can even differentiate between a person, animal, package, or vehicle. With three free hours of event video history included, you can easily see what you’ve missed. **[Shop now at The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Google-Nest-Doorbell-Battery-Smart-Wi-Fi-Video-Doorbell-Camera-Snow-GA01318-US/317817040)** [](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Wyze-Video-Doorbell.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.025252525252526,100,99.949494949495) Courtesy of The Home Depot ## Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Wyze offers another video doorbell option worthy of your consideration. With dual cameras, you get two unique camera views — one for packages, the other for people, so you’ll know right away whether it’s a postal worker showing up with a last-minute gift or your cousin dropping off cookies. The Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell provides 2K full video with color night vision, and it comes with motion-activated voice deterrence — providing an added layer of security. **[Shop now at The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wyze-Wireless-Duo-Cam-Video-Doorbell-Battery-Powered-2K-Full-HD-Video-2-Cameras-People-and-Package-Color-Night-Vision-WDCDOBL/333621794)** [](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/Hubspace-lock.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.21834061135371,0,99.563318777293,100) Courtesy of The Home Depot ## Defiant Smart Compact Deadbolt powered by Hubspace Of course, what happens when the person at your front door is an actual guest who needs to be let inside — say, your aunt and uncle who drove from three states over? Well, with a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock, you can easily let them in to relax while you finish up work and make your way back home. A Home Depot exclusive, the Defiant Smart Compact Deadbolt powered by Hubspace allows homeowners to lock or unlock their door remotely through their home Wi-Fi connection. It’s as easy-to-use as it is practical — setup on the Hubspace app, The Home Depot’s exclusive smart home platform, takes less than 60 seconds and allows control via the app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home. **[Shop now at The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-Square-Compact-Matte-Black-Electronic-Single-Cylinder-Deadbolt-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Powered-by-Hubspace-HSGCXX901ALPB/330353477)** [](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Wyze-Floodlight-and-Camera_crop.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100) Courtesy of The Home Depot ## Wyze Outdoor Floodlight Camera This wired floodlight and camera from Wyze is loaded with features that will make your life easier this holiday season and beyond. For starters, it comes with always-on ambient lighting and automated dusk-to-dawn illumination. But it also has the security features you’d want in a floodlight camera — it lights up extra bright when it spots motion and deters any trespassers by issuing a voice warning and a loud siren. Add to that high-resolution 2K video with night vision, a 160-degree wide-angle view, 2800 lumen LEDs, and two-way talk, and you have a seriously functional piece of monitoring technology. **[Shop now at The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wyze-Wired-Outdoor-Wi-Fi-Floodlight-v2-Home-Security-Camera-with-2K-Video-Color-Night-Vision-Motion-Activated-LEDs-White-WYZECFL2/328208644)** Learn more about the tech that powers the Ring Outdoor Floodlight Pro, Blink Video Doorbell, and Blink Outdoor Camera in the videos below. **Follow topics and authors** from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.