EU plans legislation for car data access

The European Commission is preparing to introduce legislation that would allow insurers, leasing firms, and repair shops greater access to vehicle data.

The proposed law is expected to be published later this year, and it is a response to growing tensions between car service providers, automakers, and tech companies over the control and monetisation of valuable in-vehicle data.

Currently, vehicle data, ranging from driving habits to fuel efficiency, is not clearly defined in European law, leading to disputes over who owns it.

With the connected car market projected to be worth billions in the coming years, the Commission is stepping in to ensure that all sectors of the automotive industry can benefit from this data.

However, carmakers have expressed concerns, warning that the new law could compromise trade secrets and lead to misuse of sensitive information.

The debate has also highlighted fears about the dominance of Big Tech, with companies like Google and Apple already making inroads into car infotainment systems.

The Commission’s proposal could reshape the landscape by offering more equitable access to the data that is crucial for developing new products and services.

Since this update was published, the EU Data Act has become applicable, and on 12 September 2025 the European Commission issued vehicle-specific guidance explaining how its data-access rules apply to connected cars and aftermarket service providers. Separately, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/699, in force since 23 June 2026, updated the rules for standardised access to vehicle OBD and repair and maintenance information, including ADAS and DCAS calibration, software coding, traction-battery diagnosis and secure OBD access. A detailed overview of EU vehicle data access for car owners and independent repair shops explains how these two legal routes differ in practice.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.