EU Data Act comes into force

On September 12, 2025, the European Union’s Data Act officially takes effect, marking a major shift in how data from connected devices—such as smartwatches, home appliances, and cars—can be used. The new law gives both individuals and businesses wide-ranging rights to access, use, and share the raw data their devices produce, breaking the long-standing practice where manufacturers often kept exclusive control.

Under the law, any connected products placed on the EU market from 12 September 2026, must be designed to allow free and easy access to their data. This change is intended to give users—not just large companies—the ability to decide how their data is used. For example, car owners could share vehicle data with independent garages for repairs or with mobility services for car sharing.

The Data Act is also designed to boost competition and innovation. By preventing companies from locking up data, it creates space for small businesses and start-ups to develop new services in areas like maintenance, repairs, and digital mobility. At the same time, the law bans unfair contract terms that restrict how data can be shared, and it imposes new obligations on cloud and data service providers to make it easier for customers to switch services or even use them in parallel.

The regulation applies broadly to all companies offering connected products or digital services in the EU, regardless of where the company is based. In practice, this means that manufacturers and service providers must adapt their products and contracts to comply with the new rules.

By granting users greater control while opening the door for fairer competition, the Data Act aims to build a more innovative and balanced digital economy in Europe.