The European Commission introduced new regulations to expedite Big Tech data privacy investigations

The European Commission unveiled new guidelines on Tuesday to enable watchdogs work on cross-border issues more quickly, in response to criticism of slow privacy probes and the Irish privacy regulator's outsized role in regulating Big Tech.

Critics argue that investigations take too long and punishments are too low to dissuade Big Tech privacy violations, undercutting the objective of the landmark EU legislation known as the General Data Protection Regulation, which went into effect in 2018.

The Irish Data Protection Commissioner (DPC), the EU's top regulator because many of the world's major technological businesses are headquartered in Ireland, has also faced criticism from peers for its fines, which some believe are too low.

"The harmonisation of these procedural aspects will support the timely completion of investigations and the delivery of swift remedies for individuals," stated the Commission.

The new regulations compel the primary privacy authority to provide a summary of important concerns with its peers, allowing them to offer comments early on. They also establish standard timelines for cross-border cooperation and dispute settlement.

Complainants have the right to be heard when their complaints are wholly or partially rejected, as well as the right to be appropriately involved if regulators decide to examine their concerns.

The new guidelines also provide firms under investigation the right to be heard at critical phases of the inquiry and access to the file.

Max Schrems, a privacy campaigner who has filed complaints against Meta Platforms and Alphabet's Google, has attacked the new processes.

"The Commission proposal appears to be technically and substantively flawed, stripping citizens of existing rights rather than ensuring their enforcement," he added.

According to the Computer & Communications Industry Association, the guidelines fall short when it comes to corporations' ability to appeal and the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable period.