The EU Parliament and Council have agreed on a European Data Act. The EU Commission submitted a proposal for this at the beginning of last year.

What does the Data Act regulate?

Among other things, the Data Act stipulates who may use or pass on data collected by devices. This includes networked devices such as car navigation systems and all digital devices that are networked with each other and with the Internet, for example in smart living.

Stronger data protection

The Data Act states that users should be able to access the data collected by devices. They are also allowed to transmit it to third parties. Switching data processing providers is also to be made easier. The aim of this regulation is to expand competition and diversity in the market and avoid provider lock-in.

In the event of public emergencies, such as floods and forest fires, public agencies are to be able to access data from the private sector.

Formal approval of the Data Act is still pending. Once passed, and published in the Official Journal of the EU, it will apply 20 months after entry into force.

Sources: DIHK (german), EU Commission