The 12th Edition of Lexology In-Depth: Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity is now available
The 12th edition of Lexology In-Depth: Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity (formerly The Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity Law Review) provides an incisive global overview of the legal and regulatory regimes governing data privacy and security. With a focus on recent developments, it covers key areas such as data processors’ obligations; data subject rights; data transfers and localisation; best practices for minimising cyber risk; public and private enforcement; and an outlook for future developments. A number of lawyers from Sidley’s global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice have contributed to this publication. See the chapters below for a closer look at this developing area of law. (more…)
EU Digital Omnibus: Implications for MedTech Companies
The European Commission (Commission) released its Digital Omnibus package, which aims to streamline and recalibrate certain aspects of the fast-growing body of EU digital regulations, on November 19, 2025. Rather than rewrite the core legislative instruments, including Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act), Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 (Data Act) and Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2), the Commission has opted for a series of targeted amendments intended to reduce overlap, smooth implementation and increase legal certainty. The Digital Omnibus package is now open for review for an eight-week period, which is being extended until the proposals are available in all EU languages, allowing stakeholders to comment directly on the Commission-adopted texts before negotiations progress in the Parliament and Council.
EU Digital Omnibus: The European Commission Proposes Important Changes to the EU’s Digital Rulebook
On November 19, 2025, the European Commission officially adopted a proposal for the Digital Omnibus package. Specifically, the Digital Omnibus package consists of two legislative proposals, a Digital Omnibus on AI and a general Digital Omnibus (Digital Legislation Omnibus). The proposed package marks the Commission’s first step toward optimising the EU’s digital rulebook. It draws on more than a year of preparatory work and extensive stakeholder feedback: businesses across a number of different sectors have highlighted concerns about regulatory overlap, uneven national implementation and the need for clearer cross-regime rules and streamlined reporting.
Women in Privacy – Global Privacy Leadership Lunch
Join us in Brussels for our next Women in Privacy – Global Privacy Leadership Lunch.
EU Court of Justice Issues Landmark Judgment on Concept of “Personal Data”
On 4 September 2025, the EU Court of Justice (the “CJEU”) issued a landmark ruling in SRB v. EDPS confirming that pseudonymous data is not automatically personal data in all cases (the “SRB Case”). Instead, the key question is whether the controller can realistically re-identify the individual. This judgment is expected to have a significant impact on instances where effective technical and/or organisational measures prevent re-identification by the controller. Importantly, although the ruling arose under EU Regulation 2019/1725 – i.e., the EU data protection law applicable to EU Institutions (such as the Commission) – the CJEU confirmed that the same interpretation applies under the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”).
EU Consults on Digital Fairness Act: Big Changes Ahead for Consumer-Facing Platforms
The European Commission (Commission) has launched a public consultation on a proposed new law — the Digital Fairness Act (DFA) — aimed at strengthening consumer protection in digital markets. The goal is to fill perceived regulatory “gaps” left by recent EU digital regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Financial Entities in the EU: Time to Register Your ICT Third-Party Service Providers under DORA
The European Union’s (“EU”) Digital Operational Resilience Act (“DORA”) became effective on 17 January 2025. Since then, financial entities (such as banks, insurance companies and investment firms) and their ICT third-party service providers operating in the EU have been – directly or indirectly – subject to the new regime. One of the first key DORA compliance deadlines, for financial entities to register their ICT service providers with competent EU Member State authorities, is coming into effect across most of the member states this month.
EU Commission Publishes AI Continent Action Plan and Seeks Input
On April 9, 2025 the European Commission adopted a communication on the so-called AI Continent Action Plan – its strategy to shape the next phase of AI development in Europe, with consultation to follow. The Commission’s declared objective is to transform the EU into a global leader in AI by fostering innovation, ensuring trustworthy AI, and enhancing competitiveness while safeguarding democratic values and cultural diversity. Keep monitoring Data Matters for more on the Commission’s consultation, when available. (more…)
Meeting EU Data, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence Law Obligations: A Checklist for Swiss Life Sciences Companies
For Swiss companies, the next six months are critical for preparing to meet new Digital Data Law obligations. In this briefing, we outline the key timelines, compliance requirements, and practical steps to align with EU requirements. (more…)
New Pathway of Regulating Artificial Intelligence in Switzerland: Competitive Edge or Challenge?
On February 12, 2025, the Swiss Federal Council unveiled its long-awaited approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. Instead of adopting a comprehensive AI Act like the European Union, Switzerland has opted for a sector-specific framework, integrating AI considerations into existing laws rather than creating a standalone regulatory regime. (more…)