Whilst the Data Protection and Digital information Bill (the Bill) is currently on hold, Michelle Donelan (the new secretary of state for DMCS) gave a speech on Monday which announced the plans to replace GDPR and move further away from the inherited EU laws.  The aim of this is to assist businesses, after their survey showed that 50% of businesses believed the current one-size fits all approach has led to excessive caution when staff are handling data. She says they will be replacing GDPR with their own business and consumer friendly, British data protection system, to ensure that it will be simpler and clearer for businesses to navigate.  

The speech didn’t completely aim to remove everything related to data protection, as it was made clear that the Government intends to retain the data adequacy agreements that are already in place, to allow data flows to continue freely with these countries.  However, the intention will be to look to other countries such as Japan and New Zealand who have achieved data adequacy without GDPR for inspiration.

Despite this, the Bill has not yet been withdrawn, and there is currently no new draft legislation available.  The changes are therefore unlikely to be made to the current model in the near future, however, we are clearly entering a period of change.  

If you would like us to help you to navigate this ever changing landscape, then please do get in touch with me directly, or join our Data Protection Hub here or scan the QR code below.