Data Act: prepare yourself for the future of data

How to prepare for the future with the Data Act?

It is expected that the Data Act will be implemented in 2025. The Data Act is a key component of the digital strategy of the European Union. This act stimulates data exchange, innovation, and creates a fair digital marketplace. For companies, this means more transparency about data sharing, and more control over their own data.

What exactly is the Data Act about?​

The Data Act focuses on both sharing data within a company and with external parties. The aim is to reduce barriers and stimulate data exchange, both internally and externally, so that companies can operate more efficiently and innovatively. The Data Act can be read here

Why should companies get started with the Data Act?​

For many companies, the Data Act poses a challenge due to its complexity and requirements for transparency, data governance, and data sharing. The act forces organisations to adapt processes and technologies to be compliant. Without proper guidance and implementation, companies can face significant legal and financial risks, including large fines, litigation, and damage to their reputation. Furthermore, non-compliance can lead to restrictions on data sharing, which directly impact operational efficiency and competitiveness. Clever Republic offers the expertise and guidance companies need to turn these challenges into opportunities and become compliant with the Data Act. 

How can Clever Republic help your organisation?

As experts in Data Governance and AI Governance, we play a critical role in helping organisations achieve Data Act compliance. Our approach focuses on connecting technology, processes, people, and policy – the key elements of ‘Connecting the Dots’. Here are some ways we can deliver value:

  1. Phasing and Impact Analysis of the Data Act: we support companies with a phasing approach to the Data Act, starting with an impact analysis of the law on existing products and services. This enables companies to identify which processes need to be adjusted and which products are relevant for compliance.
  2. Implementing a Data Governance Framework: we help companies set up a robust Data Governance framework that meets the requirements of the Data Act. In this way, we ensure that data access, data exchange, and data management are structured and compliant.
  3. Relevance Check and Testing: together with organisations, we perform detailed assessments to test the relevance of products and services with regard to the Data Act. This ensures that only relevant products and services are included in the further compliance steps.
  4. Data Compliance Audits and Quick Scans: our quick scans and audits give organisations quick insight into their data compliance. We identify the steps needed to comply with the Data Act, with a clear roadmap to compliance.
  5. Strategies for Data Exchange Contracts: we support organisations in drawing up contracts and agreements on data exchange. The Data Act requires transparency on data usage, and we ensure that companies have clear agreements on rights and obligations.
  6. Training and Awareness: compliance requires that everyone within the organisation is aware of their role. We offer training and workshops to make employees aware of the importance of data access and data exchange according to the Data Act.

What if you do not comply with the Data Act?

Failure to comply with the Data Act can have serious consequences. Companies that are not compliant risk large fines, legal sanctions, and reputational damage. National regulators within each EU member state are responsible for enforcing the Data Act. These regulators carry out audits and can impose sanctions on organisations that do not comply. In addition, failure to comply with the act can result in restrictions on the ability to exchange data, which has direct consequences for operational efficiency and competitiveness.

A good example of a recent GDPR case that highlights the need for compliance is the €40 million fine imposed on French advertising company to Criteo. The French regulator (CNIL) found that Criteo had unclear and complex data exchange agreements and failed to meet GDPR transparency requirements. As a result, users did not have full insight into how their data was shared with third parties and were unable to exercise their rights. This resulted in a hefty fine, despite Criteo’s argument that the fine was disproportionate compared to other offenders.

Our Proposition: ‘Compliant Data Sharing: Empowering Your Business’

We position ourselves as the partner that helps companies to see the Data Act not just as an obligation, but as an opportunity. By enabling compliant data sharing, we help organisations maximise the value of their data within the legal frameworks. Our approach focuses on data quality, data sharing frameworks, and full support for a sustainable data strategy.

Need help?

Do you need help implementing the Data Act within your organisation? Are you looking for support in drawing up a roadmap or how to achieve the first successful implementations?

By taking action now, your organisation protects itself against high fines, reputational damage and legal problems. But it goes beyond just complying with the act; timely implementation of the Data Act gives you a competitive edge. By optimising your data flows, you create opportunities for new revenue streams, more efficient processes, and improved customer relationships. WE help you to see the Data Act as an opportunity instead of an obligation.

Contact us for more information and discover how our expertise in Data Governance can help your organisation to become compliant and gain strategic advantage.  

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