Amendment 375· Digital Omnibus proposal Recital 38a (new)

(38a)While Article 28 of Regulation 2016/679 establishes a robust framework for contractual accountability, its practical application has created a structural asymmetry when controllers often rely on systemic digital actors designated as gatekeepers under Regulation (EU) 2022/1925. This creates a redundant administrative burden for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), small mid-cap enterprises (SMCs) and public authorities. To eliminate this red tape and enhance digital sovereignty, a direct compliance mechanism should apply solely to gatekeepers by way of derogation from Article 28. Where a processor is a designated gatekeeper, its core data protection duties should come directly from this Regulation. Processors not designated as gatekeepers do not possess equivalent market power and remain entirely subject to the standard contractual framework, preserving contractual freedom and a competitive digital ecosystem.