The competition regulator has made available a Consumer Data Right (CDR) sandbox, a free tool to help design, build and test CDR solutions.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the sandbox behaves and functions like the actual CDR ecosystem, allowing insurers to set up their own software solutions and communicate with “mock solutions” and other participants within a secure testing environment.

CDR aims to give consumers greater say over their personal information. It was introduced to banking in July last year and is pegged to soon be applied to insurance and other sectors.

ACCC Commissioner Peter Crone says the sandbox will help participants improve the effectiveness of their data sharing offerings.

“Creating a sandbox to complement our existing mock solutions tools is just one of many steps we are taking to make the process for businesses joining the CDR easier and more affordable,” he said.

“It is important that flexible testing options are available for participants wanting to become active in the CDR, so that the ecosystem can expand, and consumers can have more and more choices.”

The sandbox will provide development support and help improve the quality of data shared between participants. It will remain available after participants become active to allow refinement and development of services and products.

The free sandbox can be accessed here.