EU Commission launches Data Act legal helpdesk to support implementation

The European Commission has announced the launch of a Data Act Legal Helpdesk, a new support service designed to help organisations navigate the practical application of the Data Act. The helpdesk will provide direct assistance to companies, public authorities, and other stakeholders who have questions about how the regulation applies in concrete situations.

According to the Commission, the initiative is intended to respond to the needs of stakeholders, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, that often lack the legal capacity to interpret complex regulatory requirements on their own. By offering tailored responses and dedicated attention, the helpdesk aims to ensure that questions related to the Data Act are addressed in a timely and accessible manner.

The service was announced as part of the Data Union Strategy and is positioned as a practical point of contact for organisations seeking guidance on compliance, including obligations, rights, and operational requirements arising from the new rules. The Commission has indicated that the helpdesk is open to all stakeholders who require clear and actionable explanations of how the Data Act functions in practice.

The Data Act Legal Helpdesk complements existing support measures already made available by the Commission. These include a set of frequently asked questions on the Data Act, draft non-binding model contractual terms for data access and use, non-binding standard contractual clauses for cloud computing contracts, and sector-specific guidance on vehicle data linked to the regulation.

In addition, the Commission plans to publish further guidance in the coming period, including clarification on reasonable compensation mechanisms and explanations of selected definitions used in the Data Act. Together, these measures are intended to facilitate consistent implementation of the regulation across sectors and support organisations in adapting to the EU’s evolving data governance framework.