In 2011, during the preparations for a data strategy made within the European Commission, the Qiy Foundation was a regular guest in Brussels.

We had the chance to share our vision (make the individual the rotation point of his own data) with many MPs, officials and cabinet members of the then Eurocommissioners Kroes and Reding. We were told that our proposed path was the right one, but that we were 2 years too early and that a powerful lobby was emerging from US tech companies.

Now, not two years, but 12 years later, the time has finally come. European lawmakers are actually going to turn the digital world around. Data will be decoupled from products (smart devices and apps). Users will be given control over the data they generate by using these products. And not just their personal data, but also non-personal data. They are given access to the data they generate and the right to share it, at their discretion, with other apps or with third parties of their choice.

European Data Regulation for devices and services that track users

European legislators are going to give users the right to control the data they generate through the use of devices and the software associated with them. Examples include cars, electric bikes, televisions, smartphones, fitness apps and smart meters. Users will be able to access that data and have the right to share it with other apps or third parties as they see fit.

The manufacturer, retailer, rental, software provider or service provider that collected the usage data will be compensated for the costs it incurs in providing access by a third party selected by the user.

The providers of these products may also use the usage data they store for their own purposes. If it involves non-personal data, this will have to be based on an agreement with the user. If it involves personal data, the rules of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be leading. Providers will not be allowed to make the use of their products conditional on the user allowing it to be used to process data not required for the operation of the product in question.

In late June 2023, the negotiating delegations of the Council and the European Parliament agreed on the content of the Data Regulation. This European law is expected to be adopted in the autumn.