The Data Act is designed to empower users — both consumers and businesses — by giving them greater control over the data generated by their connected devices, such as cars, smart TVs, and industrial machinery. It lays the foundation for a fair, innovative, and competitive European data economy. With this aim, the Data Act:
Ensures that connected devices on the EU market are designed to allow data sharing
Gives consumers the possibility to choose more services, without having to rely on the manufacturer of the device
Gives business users in industries like manufacturing or agriculture access to data about the performance of industrial equipment opening up opportunities to enhance efficiency and optimise operations
Allows consumers to easily transfer data and switch between cloud providers
Prohibits unfair contracts that could prevent data-sharing
BMW has significantly changed its API policy in 2025, effectively ending third-party integration with Home Assistant. The company blocked access to its APIs for external services starting September 29, 2025, rendering the BMW Connected Drive integration in Home Assistant non-functional. This change affects all third-party applications, including energy providers and home automation systems.
Does this mean that BMW on at risk to pay a substantial fine for violating the EU Data Act?
Would it be useful to crowdsource an API Openness ranking of various device manufacturers and their products by assessing their attitudes and results regarding the fulfilment of the EU Data Act?
The scoring could be something like:
No support, hostile attitude, legal threats - “See you in court!” Reluctant, technical obstacles to prevent integrations - “Our proprietary app is enough for you” Neutral, couldn’t care less - “Do what you want, leave us alone” Positive attitude, information and encouragement to developers, “No real investment, but free help is appreciated” Active building of official integrations, partnership with Open Source developers - “Investment in Partnership with the global Home Assistant Community gives us a competitive edge”
This kind of database would benefit both device manufacturers as more and more customers require integration of devices into system instead of having separate app for each device or brand. For us, customers it would simplify product selection. Quite obviously, the ranking would benefit manufacturers and their customers not only in Europe, but globally.
The four- and five-star manufacturers could become Silver and Gold Home Assistant Partners and use that status in their marketing (for a modest fee).
No support, hostile attitude, legal threats - “See you in court!”