The EU Data Governance Act (DGA) is a groundbreaking regulatory framework designed to enhance data sharing, improve availability, and eliminate technical obstacles to data reuse within the European Union. It is crucial to understand the key provisions of the DGA and its potential impact on your organisation if you are a business operating within the EU. This article briefly overviews the DGA, explains its key provisions, and discusses the potential implications for businesses in different industries. We also suggest some actions that you can take.

A brief overview of the EU Data Governance Act

The DGA is part of the European strategy for data, aimed at unlocking the full potential of data-driven innovation across various sectors. The Act establishes clear guidelines and fosters collaboration among EU Member States to ensure seamless and secure data sharing. It entered into force on 23 June 2022 and will be applicable from September 2023.

Key provisions of the EU Data Governance Act

  • The DGA facilitates sharing public sector data that cannot be available as open data. This enables industries to develop innovative products and services while improving policy-making and public services.
  • The Act introduces the concept of ‘data intermediaries‘. These are neutral entities that organise data sharing or pooling within the common European data spaces. These intermediaries must adhere to strict transparency and neutrality requirements, ensuring a fair and secure data-sharing environment.
  • The DGA promotes ‘data altruism‘. This practice refers to the voluntary consent of data subjects to process their data for purposes of general interest without seeking a reward beyond compensation for the costs incurred in making the data available. Registered data altruism, organisations can use a European Commission-developed logo and promote themselves as recognised data altruism organisations.

Potential impact on businesses operating within the EU

The DGA presents compliance requirements and potential benefits for businesses operating within the EU. Organisations must adhere to the provisions set out in the Act. This includes the use of data intermediaries and participation in data altruism initiatives, where applicable.

The potential benefits of the DGA for businesses are numerous. Improved access to data can lead to the development of innovative products and services, increased efficiency, and better decision-making processes. For example:

  • Access to health data can help pharmaceutical companies develop personalised treatments.
  • Access to mobility data can enable transport companies to optimise their routes, saving time and costs.

Examples of industry-specific impact

  • The DGA can facilitate better access to health data. This enables pharmaceutical and medical technology companies to develop personalised treatments and improve healthcare services.
  • Improved access to energy data can lead to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. This benefits both energy producers and consumers.
  • With better access to agricultural data, companies can develop precision farming techniques, optimising resources and reducing environmental impact.

The EU Data Governance Act is a transformative regulatory framework that businesses within the EU must understand and embrace. Organisations can stay competitive and at the forefront of technological advancements by complying with the Act and leveraging its benefits.

Actions you can take next

  • Achieve legal compliance with the EU Data Governance Act by asking us to help you with legal compliance. This will help you understand, navigate, and adhere to the new regulations, ensuring your business operates smoothly within the EU.
  • Review or establish compliance policies by asking us to assist you with your Regulatory or Legal Compliance Policy or Charter. This ensures your business’s policies align with the Act’s provisions regarding data sharing, data intermediaries, and data altruism.
  • Identify and address compliance gaps by engaging with us to conduct legal compliance assessments, gap analyses, and audits. This will help you evaluate your current practices, make necessary improvements, and meet the new regulations under the EU Data Governance Act.
  • Read the entire DGA on the European Union website.