New smart devices and cars must give you your data by design

Since 12 September, connected products put on the market must let owners get at their own data easily.

Since 12 September 2025 the Data Act lets owners of connected products — cars, smart appliances, fitness trackers — ask for the data their device generates, free of charge, and have it shared with a service of their choice, such as an independent repairer. From 12 September 2026 new connected products and related services placed on the market must be designed so that this data is available to the user by default, easily and securely. Products already on the market before that date are not covered by this design rule.

For youYou can ask the maker of your connected car or appliance for your data, and for it to be sent to a repairer or service you choose.

Next: From 12 January 2027 cloud providers may no longer charge fees for switching to another provider.

Verified against the sources above on 29 September 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.