Government reveals global plans for data after Brexit

The UK government has announced plans for how the country will use data to deliver economic growth after Brexit, while retaining strong security and privacy standards.

With movement of data underpinning the global digital economy, the government has revealed it is outlining data adequacy partnerships with a number of international partners, including the USA, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Colombia and the Dubai International Finance Centre; future partnerships with other developing economies including India, Brazil, Kenya and Indonesia are also being prioritised. Partnerships will allow the smooth transfer of data between countries which have high data protection standards, avoiding costly compliance measures for businesses.

The government estimates that new partnerships will allow the UK to develop its position as a global hub for data transfer, building on the £80 billion of data-enabled service exports already being realised to new partners. Adequacy arrangements are already in place with 42 territories, including New Zealand, Canada, Japan and EU member states. Plans form part of the government’s ambitions for UK growth and job creation for the digital economy.

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

Now that we have left the EU I’m determined to seize the opportunity by developing a world-leading data policy that will deliver a Brexit dividend for individuals and businesses across the UK.

“That means seeking exciting new international data partnerships with some of the world’s fastest growing economies, for the benefit of British firms and British customers alike.”

The government has also revealed John Edwards, New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner, as its first choice to take over as Information Commissioner and lead the UK’s data protection regulator after Brexit. John Edwards said:

It is a great honour and responsibility to be considered for appointment to this key role as a watchdog for the information rights of the people of the United Kingdom.

“There is a great opportunity to build on the wonderful work already done and I look forward to the challenge of steering the organisation and the British economy into a position of international leadership in the safe and trusted use of data for the benefit of all.”