New European legislation: provide transparency into data from connected items
European Data Act
From September 12, 2025, the European Data Act (Data Act) will apply.
This European regulation requires us to inform consumers in advance about the data collected by connected products, such as smart devices. Think of robot vacuum cleaners, smartwatches (or other fitness equipment), smart lighting (controlled via app), or other household appliances with an internet connection (including washing machines, baby monitors, scales, doorbells, thermostats, refrigerators).
As a seller, we are legally required to provide this information to consumers, and we are therefore asking you to supply it. We’re here to support you with an explanation and a convenient upload option.
What is the Data Act?
The Data Act is a new European regulation focused on data sharing. It specifically applies to data collected by connected products, such as smart devices with an internet connection.
The aim of the Data Act is to make such data more accessible to users – that is, to customers – giving them greater insight and control over the data generated by their devices.
What does this mean for you?
We need you to provide this information so we can display it to customers. We are offering a template to help you do this. Using the template is not mandatory, but it can make it easier and faster to meet the legal requirements. Of course, you’re also welcome to upload a document from the manufacturer containing the required information.
Starting August 14, the option to upload this document (called the “data usage information” form) will be available in the content portal.
What information is required?
To comply with the Data Act, you must legally provide the following information:
- The type, format, and volume of data the product can generate
- Whether the product can generate data continuously and in real time
- Whether the data is stored on the device itself or an external server (including the retention period)
- How users can access, request, or delete the data, including the method, terms of use and service quality
Key action points at a glance
- Check whether you sell connected products, these collect data and/or operate via an app
- Clearly state what data the product collects and how customers can access it, or request this information from the manufacturer
- Bol has made it possible to upload this information as a document in the portal. You can use the template or your own document. We’ve left this choice open so you can provide the best possible information.
- Ensure this information is visible on the product page before purchase, no later then September 12, 2025
Enforcement from September 12, 2025
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will monitor compliance. If complaints are made, they may contact bol, which could result in products being taken offline.
Do you have any content-related questions? Please contact your buyer and discuss the available options.
You can find the European Union’s explanation here.
You can find the ACM’s guidance as supervisory authority here.