The Data Governance Act approved by the Council of the EU on May 16, sets the basis for a new European way of data governance in accordance with EU rules. The DGA is the first legislative initiative adopted under the European strategy for data and seeks to create a framework which will facilitate data-sharing. This will be done through the introduction of new rules for public sector bodies, data intermediation services, and data altruism organisations.

The new rules will contribute to the EU’s digital transformation by:

  • helping businesses and start-ups access big data which they can use to develop new products and services;
  • improving the use of data collected in some public sector areas;
  • helping data intermediation service providers be recognised as trustworthy data organisers; and,
  • supporting companies, individuals and public organisations in adopting data-sharing altruism.

The Act must now be signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the EU Council. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union to enter into force 20 days after publication.

To learn more about this and other key policy areas of the EU digital strategy, please visit here.