EU Tightens Document Access Rules, Raising Transparency Concerns Over Big Tech Oversight

Summary

The European Commission has tightened internal rules on access to documents following court defeats, extending a formal presumption of confidentiality to proceedings under the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act. These changes, made without citing supporting court authority, raise concerns among civil-society groups who warn that public oversight is being weakened while large technology companies intensify their lobbying efforts. The article highlights earlier transparency disputes involving requests for records of exchanges between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and pharmaceutical companies.