German coalition committee approves cuts to data protection and freedom of information, accelerates smart meter rollout (heise.de)

• GDPR scope to be narrowed: exemptions for SMEs, non-commercial activities, low-risk processing.
• IFG reform: legitimate interest requirement, name redactions, higher fees.
• Smart meter rollout target: over 90% by 2030, new 'Smart Meter Light' option.

"On July 2, 2026, the German coalition committee (CDU/CSU and SPD) agreed on a package of reforms. Data protection rules are to be relaxed, with GDPR scope narrowed for SMEs and non-commercial activities. The Freedom of Information Act (IFG) will be tightened: requests require a legitimate interest, only natural persons can apply, and officials' names will be blacked out. Simultaneously, the smart meter rollout is to be accelerated, including a 'Smart Meter Light' for households. Critics include privacy advocates and transparency activists."