Data Act — fair access to and use of data
Gives users of connected products (machines, vehicles, smart devices) access to the data they generate, limits unfair data terms between companies and makes it easier to switch cloud providers.
What it means for AI
Data from machines and devices is valuable for AI. The Data Act decides who may use it: the user of the product can obtain it and share it with a third party — for example an AI maintenance service.
What you must do
- Manufacturers of connected products: design products so users can access their data (for products placed on the market from 12 Sep 2026).
- Data holders: give users and third parties they choose access to the data on fair terms.
- Cloud and SaaS providers: allow switching; switching charges fall away completely from 12 Jan 2027.
- B2B contracts: unfair terms on data access and use are not binding.
Examples
The farmer can request the data from the manufacturer and share it with the AI provider of their choice.
Key dates
The Data Act applies (access, sharing, cloud switching).
Design obligations for new connected products and related services.
Cloud switching charges are abolished.
Unfair-terms rules also apply to data contracts concluded before 12 Sep 2025.
General information, not legal advice — consult a lawyer for borderline cases. Regulations reviewed on 29 Sep 2026.