Data Usage Act
The German Data Usage Act (DNG), which regulates the use of public sector data, entered into force on 16 July 2021. It widens the availability of the federal administration's open administrative data while simplifying and improving the possibilities for using the available publicly financed data.
The Data Usage Act (DNG) transposes the recast Directive (EU) 2019/1024 on open data and the re-use of public sector information besides updating and replacing the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Act (IWG).
Public sector bodies, public undertakings in the transport and water/energy supply sectors, and certain research organisations should as far as possible produce data falling within the scope of the DNG in accordance with the principle of "open by design and by default".
Generally the data may be used for any commercial or non-commercial purpose. Moreover, in accordance with section 10 DNG, the usage is normally free of charge.
Public sector bodies that are required to generate sufficient revenue to cover a substantial part of their costs relating to the performance of their public tasks and that wish to be exempted from not being able to charge for data usage, must notify the Bundesnetzagentur of the invocation of the exemption. Background information on high-value datasets, including a list of high-value datasets that belong to the thematic categories in Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, can be found in the relevant Commission Implementing Regulation.
Contact
Bundesnetzagentur für Elektrizität, Gas, Telekommunikation, Post und Eisenbahnen
Section 122
Tulpenfeld 4
53113 Bonn
E-Mail: 122.postfach@bnetza.de