The Free Flow of Data Initiative of November 2015, unveiled as a priority issue for European Commission policy and the Digital Single Market, tend to level out the difficulties arising from data ownership and access.

To encourage the free flow and promote sharing of digital data, the priority is to develop a digital data economy and harmonize EU rules.

The digital economy has been slowed down by disparate legislation in Europe. The free flow of date has long been prohibited in the European Union Member States. The restrictions judged unjustified by the European Commission impair the free location of companies in Europe. That is why, to allow that freedom to prosper in Europe and beyond its borders, it is apparent that a uniform legal framework is necessary. It will ensure the protection of the rights of European Union citizens and simplify the free flow of data by separating personal data from other forms of data. This initiative aiming at standardizing EU rules aspires to simplify and encourage the free flow of data.

Companies will have better growth potential with regard to the digital economy in the EU, particularly by the simplification of the free flow of data by the creation of a European Cloud by 2020. The free flow of data facilitated through the Cloud will render European companies more attractive and competitive. In terms of innovation, the simplified access to information, particularly public data for sectors such as research will facilitate commercial relations between the different European Union Member States.