EU Data Act Empowers Users with Connected Device Data Control

The EU Data Act has officially come into force, giving users direct control over connected device data – from smartwatches to industrial machinery. The regulation also opens new opportunities for companies to build services around this data, from repairs to advanced mobility solutions.

For eeNews Europe readers, the act marks a major shift in how IoT and industrial data will shape operations across the continent, with significant implications for device makers, cloud providers, and service companies in sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture.

At its core, the Data Act sets out rules to increase access to high-quality data while ensuring fair use and competition. The legislation requires connected devices sold in the EU to be designed with data-sharing capabilities, enabling both consumers and businesses to unlock more value from their hardware investments.

For consumers, this means the freedom to choose cost-effective repair and maintenance providers, or to handle those tasks themselves. In industries such as manufacturing and agriculture, companies will gain access to real-time performance data from equipment, helping improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Another key element of the legislation is cloud interoperability. The act prohibits unfair contracts that limit data sharing and gives users the option to switch between cloud providers or combine services across multiple platforms.

“The Data Act empowers users, opens markets, and gives businesses the data they need to create innovative services – from smarter vehicle repairs to new energy-efficiency solutions. We are equally committed to helping companies adapt to the new rules, reducing administrative burden and turning data into real opportunities for people and businesses across Europe,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.

To help companies adapt, the European Commission has announced several support measures. The Commission will set up a dedicated Data Act Legal Helpdesk to provide direct assistance with implementation questions. In addition, the Commission will publish model terms for data-sharing agreements and standard clauses for cloud contracts.

The Commission has also released guidance on sharing vehicle data, a move expected to drive better repair services, car-sharing initiatives, and new mobility-as-a-service models. A broader Data Union Strategy is also on the horizon, aiming to simplify and strengthen Europe’s overall data framework.

The Data Act builds on years of consultation with European companies, industry associations, and civil society. It complements the earlier Data Governance Act, which focused on trust in voluntary data-sharing, by adding legal clarity on access and use.

For technology providers and service companies across Europe, the act represents both a compliance challenge and a business opportunity. Device manufacturers will need to integrate new data-sharing capabilities, while cloud providers must adapt to interoperability requirements. At the same time, new service markets will emerge, from predictive maintenance to cross-platform industrial analytics.

As the EU moves forward with its broader Data Union Strategy, the Data Act on connected device data will become a cornerstone of Europe’s digital transformation – driving both competitiveness and innovation across connected industries.