If my 'data' is a no logs vpn address with a privacy hardened browser running in a VM on an isolated VLAN with encrypted DNS then why wouldn't I just laugh and click accept cookies in a sandboxed tab (so said cookies only exist for that tab and are cleared when it is closed.
What youre saying most users dont have this level of privacy by default? Why not?
GDPR article 7, section 4: When assessing whether consent is freely given, utmost account shall be taken of whether, inter alia, the performance of a contract, including the provision of a service, is conditional on consent to the processing of personal data that is not necessary for the performance of that contract.
basically: A data controller may not refuse service to users who decline consent to processing that is not strictly necessary in order to use the service
anyone who does that is in violation of GDPR
Iirc it boils down to the fact the user still has a choice.
Either way your interpretation of GDPR and several major news outlets clearly differ, and i would bet my house on them having access to better legal advice than you.