Free flow of non-personal data in the European Union
Digital data generated by devices serves as a critical resource for designing efficient, innovative, and productive business and operational models. To fully harness the potential of the data economy for growth and employment, the European Union adopted a regulatory framework to facilitate the free flow of non-personal data. This framework, established under the European initiative for the free flow of non-personal data and cross-border business development, is governed by the FFD Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/1807 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018). The regulation ensures:
- Unrestricted cross-border data flow: It provides a framework for storing and processing non-personal data anywhere within the EU, eliminating localization restrictions on such data.
- Regulatory access to data: It guarantees that competent authorities can access data needed for performing official duties, regardless of the data's storage location within the EU.
The FFD Regulation also promotes the creation of self-regulatory codes of conduct for cloud service providers, facilitating easier switching between providers and fostering trust among stakeholders.
In Croatia, The Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation serves as the designated single point of contact, offering general information about the regulation and liaising with similar points in other EU Member States and the European Commission.
Additionally, the Ministry manages an online single information point. This platform provides information on national requirements for the localization of non-personal data, as mandated by legislation or administrative provisions. All ministries and their bodies are required to publish details of localization requirements within their jurisdictions on this platform.
Further information, background materials, and accompanying EU documents on the use, storage, and transfer of non-personal data can be found on the European Commission's website.
Contact for enquiries about Regulation (EU) 2018/1807 and free flow of non-personal data: data.interoperability@mpudt.hr