The EU Data Act now applies in the EU, giving users control over data generated by their connected devices such as smartwatches and cars, and giving small businesses opportunities to use the data to develop innovative after-sale services.
The EU’s Data Act increases access to high-quality data and with it the potential for data-driven innovation. The Data Act sets fair rules for a wider availability of data to fuel innovation, competitiveness and growth in Europe’s digital economy.
Consumers and business users of connected devices – such as cars, smart TVs, and industrial machinery – will now be able to access, use and share the raw data generated by their devices.
With this aim, the EU Data Act:
- Ensures that connected devices on the EU market are designed to allow data sharing;
- Gives consumers the possibility to choose more cost-effective repair and maintenance providers or do these tasks themselves;
- Gives users in industries like manufacturing or agriculture access to data about the performance of industrial equipment, which can improve their efficiency and operations;
- Enables cloud users to switch between cloud providers or use services from several providers in parallel;
- Prohibits unfair contracts that could prevent data-sharing.
The Commission has also published guidance on the sharing of vehicle data, which will lead to better repair and maintenance, car sharing, and mobility as a service.
