The Data Governance Act is a legislative proposal put forward by the European Commission aimed at regulating the use of data within the European Union. It outlines rules and guidelines for the handling, sharing, and protection of data, with a focus on enhancing trust in the digital economy and ensuring the rights of individuals are respected.
The Data Governance Act entered into force on 23 June 2022 and, following a 15 month grace period, is applicable since September 2023.
For data management specifically, the Data Governance Act would likely have several implications:
- Data Sharing: It may establish frameworks and standards for data sharing among businesses, public sector organizations, and other entities. This could include provisions for interoperability and compatibility of data formats.
- Data Protection: The Act would likely incorporate measures to ensure that data is handled in accordance with relevant data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. This might involve requirements for data anonymization, encryption, and other security measures.
- Data Quality: There could be provisions related to data quality assurance, including guidelines for data collection, storage, and processing to maintain accuracy and reliability.
- Data Ownership: The Act may address issues of data ownership and control, clarifying the rights and responsibilities of data controllers and data subjects.
- Data Governance Frameworks: It might encourage the establishment of data governance frameworks within organizations, outlining roles, responsibilities, and processes for managing data effectively and ethically.
Overall, the Data Governance Act aims to foster a data-driven economy while safeguarding individual rights and promoting trust in the handling of data. For data management practitioners, compliance with the Act would likely involve implementing robust data governance practices and ensuring adherence to its requirements.
