ACEA welcomes European Parliament’s adoption of data act

Brussels – The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has welcomed a European Parliament’s vote to adopt the data act which is designed to offer wider access to users of information shared by their vehicles.

Describing it a “thorough and unambiguous law”, ACEA said it will support the growth of a wide range of services across the entire automotive industry.

In a statement 20 March, ACEA noted that the act will give users control of “the full range of data shared by their vehicle, with no exceptions.”

That, it said, will mean that vehicle manufacturers will not be able to enjoy any advantage over other data recipients.

MEPs backed the new rules for fair access to and use of industrial data on 14 March, offering clarification on who can access data and on what terms.

The act establishes common rules governing the sharing of data generated by the use of connected products or related services (e.g. the internet of things, industrial machines) to ensure fairness in data sharing contracts.

The measures allow users access the data they generate, as “[currently] 80% of industrial data collected are never used”, according to the European Commission.

MEPs are now expected to enter into negotiations with the European Council on the final shape of the law.