The EU Data Act is Here!

In September 2025, a major shift in Europe’s digital landscape took effect: the EU Data Act officially entered into force. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?

Put simply, the EU Data Act is a legal framework that governs how data generated by connected products and services is accessed, shared, and used. Think of smart cars, fitness trackers, industrial machines, or even smart fridges—these devices constantly generate valuable data. Until now, much of that data was locked away, accessible only to the manufacturers. The EU Data Act changes that.

Until now, we’ve lived in a closed ecosystem. A smart car might collect data on driving habits, fuel efficiency, or maintenance needs—but only the carmaker could access and use that data. The new act changes this. Under the EU Data Act: individuals or companies gain more control over their data, service providers or researchers can access data under fair conditions and manufacturers must make data accessible not keep it for themselves only. A smart car owner can decide gets access to their vehicle’s data and a smart car manufacturer can decide to whom to give the data they collected. All these should be done under clear rules on sharing data, ensuring transparency, security, and compliance.

And this magic that makes all these possible are the data spaces—trusted digital environments where data can be shared securely and fairly. Moreover, data spaces support cross-border and cross-industry collaboration, while respecting privacy and ownership. To make this work we need interoperability. It’s not enough to just allow data sharing—it must be seamless across platforms, industries, and borders. That’s why the European Commission has issued a standardization request for data spaces, which has already been accepted by CEN and CENELEC, Europe’s leading standardization bodies.

This move ensures that data spaces across the EU will speak the same “language,” making it easier for businesses and individuals to participate in the data economy without technical or legal challenges.