What is the EU Data Act?
As of Jan. 11, 2024, the EU Data Act is officially in effect. This European legislation aims to end so-called cloud lock-in and give companies more control over their own data. Whether you're working with an IoT solution, a cloud service or fleet & asset management software, the Data Act changes how suppliers must handle your data.
The purpose of the Data Act is clear:
your data always remains accessible and transferable
you are no longer dependent on one supplier
you can easily switch to another service without unreasonable restrictions
For clients of AllConnects, this is nothing new - we have been working this way for years. Still, it is important to understand what the law specifically means.
When will the EU Data Act enter into force?
The Data Act rollout is proceeding in phases:
Jan. 11, 2024 → the law officially went into effect.
Sept. 12, 2025 → most of the provisions are effective then. From then on, all providers of cloud and data processing services must bring their contracts and systems in line with the law.
September 2026 → for new IoT products and connected services, there will be additional obligations around data access and sharing.
So companies will have a transition period, but must take action now to be compliant.
What data management obligations apply to suppliers?
The Data Act imposes clear rules on software and cloud providers.
1. Data should always be accessible and transferable
Customers have the right to export their data and take it with them to another provider. Providers must provide tools and procedures for this, in machine-readable and common formats.
2. No unreasonable contract terms
Clauses that lock customers in for years or prohibit them from using their data outside the service provider are prohibited. Certain contract terms are even automatically invalidated.
3. Interoperability and standard formats.
Suppliers should make data available through open interfaces and compatible formats. This will make it easier to use data across multiple systems simultaneously or to transition gradually.
4. Parallel use is allowed
Companies may use their data in phases or in parallel at different providers. This allows them to switch without risk or downtime.
5. No additional cost for switching (from 2027).
Today, some providers still charge high fees to export data(egress fees). Those fees should disappear completely from January 2027.
What will change for businesses?
For business owners, the Data Act primarily means more freedom, certainty and transparency.
Freedom → You choose who you work with. Switching to another partner should no longer be blocked.
Security → Your data is no longer trapped in closed systems.
Transparency → Suppliers should clearly communicate procedures, costs and timelines for data export.
Compliance → Companies working with IoT or sharing data with third parties face additional obligations.
👉 Specifically, your data really stays yours.
Is there any data that is exempt from this Data Act?
Not all data simply falls under the Data Act. Data protected by intellectual property, trade secrets or security reasons may be partially exempt.
But: vendors may not abuse these exceptions to unnecessarily block data or delay access. The law provides clear limits here.
What does this mean for AllConnects?
At AllConnects, the philosophy is simple: your data is yours.
We have been applying the principles of the Data Act in the way we work for years:
✅ Transparency → your data is always visible in our software and exportable whenever you want.
✅ No lock-in → we don't work with stranglehold contracts. Our solutions are flexible, scalable and adaptable to your needs.
✅ Fully compliant → our operation is in line with all European directives (GDPR, Data Act, etc.).
✅ Thinking ahead → we follow new legislation closely and make sure our customers never get any surprises.
✅ Service as standard → if you have questions or switch, you can count on premium support, without compromise.
In short, the Data Act mandates what we already take for granted.
Frequently asked questions about the EU Data Act
- What does the EU Data Act mean for companies in Belgium?
The Data Act applies throughout Europe, including Belgium. Companies get more rights around their data, and suppliers have to adapt their contracts and systems. - When do EU Data Act obligations apply?
Most rules apply from September 2025. For new IoT products, additional rules apply from 2026. - What is AllConnects doing to be compliant with the Data Act?
Our solutions and contracts are already aligned with the principles of the Data Act. Transparency, flexibility and data freedom are built into our service.
Frequently asked questions about the EU Data Act
The EU Data Act ushers in a new era of open and fair data. Where many companies have yet to adapt, AllConnects is already doing so, ensuring that your data remains free, secure and always available.
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Hilde Lavrijssen
Marketing Manager — AllConnects BV
Hilde closely follows Belgian legislation on mobility, fleet management, and time tracking and translates it into practical insights for companies in the transportation industry.
