EIMIN drafts law on implementation of EU Data Act
The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation (EIMIN) has drafted a national law based on the EU Data Act. The law is aimed at ensuring fairness in the data economy and providing users with better access to data. The draft law has been approved by the government and will soon be submitted to the Seimas for consideration.
'We are realising our ambition to create value from data efficiently and securely, and to ensure more transparent data sharing. This will help Lithuanian companies to adopt innovations more quickly, increasing their competitiveness and strengthening the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises to compete with large corporations. Consumers will also benefit, as their data security will be ensured and they will be able to participate more actively in the digital economy,' says Darius Zailskas, Vice Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The draft law ensures that national legislation complies with the EU Data Act. This EU legislation grants the right to access data generated by internet-connected devices (the Internet of Things). The availability of such data significantly impacts the economy: data generated by internet-connected devices and related services can be used to promote secondary markets and additional services, as well as creating entirely new services.
According to the European Commission, successfully implementing the EU Data Act across the EU by 2028 could increase national GDP by almost 2 percentage points, public sector revenue by up to €96.8 billion and investment by up to €30.4 billion. In addition, it would create approximately 2.2 million new jobs. The greatest economic benefit — up to €196.7 billion per year — would come from providing consumers and businesses with greater access to data from connected products, thereby fostering innovation.
Internet-connected devices include consumer products such as cars, medical equipment, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment and smartwatches. Apps designed to control light brightness or refrigerator temperature, for example, or to monitor car parameters, are considered related services. The large amounts of data generated during their use can be utilised in the secondary market.
The draft law grants powers and functions to the Communications Regulatory Authority as the competent supervisory authority. It also establishes procedures for handling complaints and conducting investigations into potential violations of the EU Data Act, as well as liability for such violations and issues related to legal disputes and certification procedures.
The EU Data Act is a regulation that has been in effect in EU member states since September 2025. It defines who can use and manage data generated by internet-connected devices. This legislation is particularly relevant for companies that develop smart products or provide cloud services.