The Data Act: your right to switch video platforms

No lock-in, no exit fees, no excuses.

Many organisations stay with a video platform they are unhappy with, simply because leaving looks too hard: thousands of videos, metadata, subtitles, embeds everywhere, and a provider that makes exporting difficult or expensive.

The EU Data Act (Regulation (EU) 2023/2854) changes that. Since September 2025, providers of data processing services, which includes video hosting in the cloud, must make switching possible. This guide explains what that means for you.

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What the Data Act requires

The right to switch. You can move to another provider, use several providers in parallel or move to your own infrastructure, without contractual, technical or commercial obstacles.
Your data, exportable. Your content and the data you generated must be exportable in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.
Clear terms. The contract must describe how switching works, what can be exported and how long the transition takes.
Switching fees phased out. Providers may only charge reduced, cost-based switching fees until 12 January 2027. From that date, switching, including data egress, must be free.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check your contracts with your legal advisor.

What to check with your current provider

Export: can you download your original video files, not just a compressed version?
Metadata: do titles, descriptions, tags, subtitles and transcripts come with you?
Costs: does the provider charge for exporting or for the traffic it takes?
Formats: are your videos delivered in open standards that work elsewhere?
Deletion: what happens to your library when your contract or payment stops?

How StreamZilla handles it

StreamZilla already meets the rule that applies to all providers from 12 January 2027: no switching or egress fees. Your media, metadata and configuration can be exported in common, machine-readable formats, and videos are delivered in open standards (HLS, CMAF) that work outside StreamZilla too. See switching to StreamZilla and our compliance statement.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Data Act apply to video hosting?

Video hosting in the cloud is a data processing service, which is exactly what the switching rules of the Data Act are about. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can a provider still charge me for leaving?

Until 12 January 2027, only reduced, cost-based switching fees are allowed. From that date, switching must be free of charge.

Does StreamZilla charge exit fees?

No. StreamZilla charges no switching or egress fees, and you can export everything in open formats at any time.

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