Government sets out plans for revised data protection regulations

Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU), the UK Government has begun the process of updating the country’s data protection regulations.

Proposals will see the EU-wide General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standard updated, with the aim of simplifying how businesses demonstrate compliance and reducing the paperwork required, while also maintaining equivalence with the EU standards.

Data reforms put forward in the  Data Protection and Digital Information Bill are expected to unlock £4.7 billion in savings for the UK economy over the next 10 years. Changes aim to remove costlier elements of GDPR and make rules easier to understand for both business and individuals. Plans also aim to increase public and business confidence in AI technologies by clarifying the circumstances when robust safeguards apply to automated decision-making.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

“Co-designed with business from the start, this new Bill ensures that a vitally important data protection regime is tailored to the UK’s own needs and our customs.

“Our system will be easier to understand, easier to comply with, and take advantage of the many opportunities of post-Brexit Britain. No longer will our businesses and citizens have to tangle themselves around the barrier-based European GDPR.

“Our new laws release British businesses from unnecessary red tape to unlock new discoveries, drive forward next generation technologies, create jobs and boost our economy.”

Also included in the plans are tougher fines senders for nuisance communications, clearer rules over cookies and online data collection to reduce intrusive consent pop-ups online, and a strengthening of the powers of the UK’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, said:

“I welcome the reintroduction of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill and support its ambition to enable organisations to grow and innovate whilst maintaining high standards of data protection rights. Data protection law needs to give people confidence to share their information to use the products and services that power our economy and society.

“The Bill will ensure my office can continue to operate as a trusted, fair and independent regulator. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Government to monitor how these reforms are expressed in the Bill as it continues its journey through Parliament.”