Data Access and Sharing: What You Need to Know About Upcoming UK and EU Rules

The regulatory tide is turning. As we move through 2025, the United Kingdom and the European Union will fundamentally reshape how organisations access, share, and govern data. For compliance professionals, these changes represent more than just new rules; they signal a strategic opportunity to transform data governance into a competitive advantage.

The convergence of the UK's Data (Use and Access) Bill and the EU Data Act creates a complex but navigable compliance landscape. Understanding data flow has never been more critical to business success.

Why Data Flow Matters More Than Ever – From static silos to consumer controlled eco-systems

Data flow represents the lifeblood of modern business operations. It encompasses not merely the movement of information between systems, but the strategic orchestration of data access, sharing permissions, and governance controls that enable organisations to operate effectively whilst maintaining regulatory compliance.

The traditional approach of treating data as a static asset locked within organisational silos is becoming obsolete. Today's regulatory framework demands dynamic, transparent, and consumer-controlled data ecosystems. Organisations that master data flow management will be better positioned to leverage Smart Data opportunities, while those that fail to adapt risk significant compliance gaps and competitive disadvantage.

Consider the implications: under emerging regulations, your customers will possess unprecedented rights to ask you to share their data with authorised third parties. Your ability to respond efficiently and securely to these requests will directly impact customer satisfaction and market positioning. More importantly, your data architecture must support these requirements without compromising security or confidentiality.

The UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill: 

Smart Data for Smarter Markets

The Data (Use and Access) Bill, which passed its third reading in the House of Commons on 7 May 2025, establishes "Smart Data" schemes designed to unlock innovation through controlled data sharing. These schemes will initially focus on the energy and financial services sectors, with potential expansion across other industries.

Smart Data represents a paradigm shift from data protection to data empowerment. Rather than simply safeguarding information, organisations must now facilitate its strategic sharing when customers direct them to do so. This requires sophisticated data architecture capable of secure, real-time data portability whilst maintaining comprehensive audit trails.

The regulatory framework operates through sector-specific implementation, meaning compliance professionals must monitor the primary legislation and the secondary regulations that will define operational requirements for their particular industry. Early preparation now will prove invaluable when these schemes become operational, potentially as early as 2026.

The EU Data Act: A Broader Approach to the Data Economy

The EU Data Act, entering full force on 12 September 2025, takes a broader approach by addressing all connected products and related services. This legislation introduces sweeping reforms based on Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) principles. This ensures that data access rights extend beyond traditional personal data to encompass usage and behavioural information generated by smart devices and systems.

The Data Act creates immediate compliance obligations for organisations operating across European markets or providing connected products to EU consumers. The requirement for data access "by design" in products placed on the market from September 2026 means that current product development cycles must already incorporate these considerations.

The Act's protection of legitimate trade secrets comforts businesses concerned about intellectual property exposure but requires careful, balancing of transparency obligations with confidentiality requirements. This balance demands sophisticated internal frameworks for assessing disclosure risks on a case-by-case basis.

UK vs EU: A Quick Comparison

Aspect	UK DUA Bill	EU Data Act
Scope	Sector-specific (e.g. energy, finance)	Broad – all connected products and related services
Implementation	Requires sector-by-sector regulation	Uniform application across all EU Member States
User Rights	Consumer-authorised third-party data access	Broader access and reuse rights for users and third parties
Data Holder Obligations	Determined by sector regulations	FRAND obligations apply to all relevant data holders
Trade Secrets	Not specifically addressed	Covered with specific exceptions and safeguards
Public Sector Access	Not currently defined	Permitted in narrowly defined exceptional cases

What Should Regulated Firms Do Now?

For UK Businesses:

• Stay Informed: Track the progression of the DUA Bill and prepare for the upcoming 

Smart Data schemes in relevant sectors.

•  Review Policies: Assess current data governance, privacy, and sharing protocols for alignment with the proposed frameworks.

For EU or Cross-Border Businesses:

• Conduct Gap Analysis: Identify which products or services fall within the scope of the Data Act and whether changes are needed.

• Update Access Procedures: Ensure your data sharing and access systems are built to meet FRAND standards.    

• Protect Trade Secrets: Develop internal frameworks for managing and protecting confidential business information in line with the new rules.

• Plan for Compliance by Design: Begin product redesign planning to meet the 2026 deadline for data-access-by-default obligations.

Strategic Compliance: Beyond Checkbox Exercises

Effective compliance in this new environment transcends traditional risk management approaches. It requires strategic thinking about how data governance can enhance business value whilst meeting regulatory requirements. The organisations that thrive will be those that view these regulations not as constraints but as frameworks for innovation.

Data flow assessment becomes the foundation of this strategic approach. By understanding precisely how information moves through your organisation, where it originates, how it's processed, and with whom it's shared, you create the visibility necessary for compliance and business optimisation. This understanding enables proactive rather than reactive compliance management.

Moving Forward: From Assessment to Action

Using the desk aid effectively requires honest self-evaluation and commitment to addressing identified gaps. Begin with Section A's data mapping requirements—these form the foundation for all subsequent compliance activities. Progress systematically through each section, documenting findings and prioritising remediation activities based on regulatory timelines and business impact.

Remember that these assessments are not one-time exercises. Data flows evolve as business processes change, new technologies are adopted, and regulatory requirements develop. Regular reassessment ensures your compliance framework remains current and effective.

The regulatory environment will continue evolving, with the potential expansion of smart data schemes to additional sectors and the ongoing refinement of the EU Data Act's implementation. Organisations that establish robust data flow management capabilities now will be better positioned to adapt to future changes, whilst their competitors struggle with basic compliance requirements.

Conclusion: Data Flow as Strategic Capability

The convergence of UK and EU data regulations represents a fundamental shift in how organisations approach data governance. Success requires viewing data flow not as a technical challenge but as a strategic capability that enables innovation, enhances customer relationships, and creates competitive advantage.

The journey begins with understanding your current state through a comprehensive assessment and building the architectural and governance capabilities necessary for the new regulatory environment. Those who act now will lead the market when these regulations become fully operational. Those who delay risk falling behind.

The question is not whether these changes will affect your organisation, but whether you'll be ready to turn regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage.

What Next?

Ready to assess your organisation's data flow capabilities? Ask your consultant for a copy of our Self-Assessment Desk Aid and build your competitive advantage in the new regulatory landscape.

Contact Your Consultant Here

Contact RR Compliance Associates for expert guidance on transforming compliance challenges into strategic opportunities.