Data has become a key factor for the competitiveness of private and state actors alike. Personal data in particular fuels manifold corresponding data ecosystems – in many cases based on the disclosure decision of an individual. This volume presents the proceedings of the bidt "Vectors of Data Disclosure" conference held in Munich 2022. The contributions give comparative insights into the data disclosure process – combining perspectives of law, cultural studies, and business information systems. The authors thereby tackle the question in which way regulation and cultural settings shape (or do not shape) respective decisions in different parts of the world. The volume also includes interim results of the corresponding bidt research project – including in-depth reports covering the regulatory and cultural dimensions of data disclosure in eight different countries　/ regions worldwide, a business information systems model of the disclosure decision process, and empirical studies. The volume thereby lays the ground for interdisciplinary informed policy decisions and gives guidance to stakeholders.

This commentary provides an expert guide to the Act, giving an authoritative and rigorous overview of its reach and scope. The Data Governance Act (DGA) allows for increased access to data. Specifically it harmonises the conditions for the re-use of public sector data which is subject to certain third-party rights, it establishes a framework for private data sharing services that allows users impart personal data, and it introduces a framework for data sharing for altruistic purposes.