Whilst Data Protection might not be at the top of the Labour Party’s ‘To Do’ list, it did get a mention in the King’s Speech. Details were scarce but it appears changes are planned. 

The Conservative Party’s ‘Data Protection and Digital Information Bill’ never got passed because of the timing of the election but was broadly supported by Labour MPs. The new government will replace this with the ‘Digital Information and Smart Data Bill’ (DISD). 

The government’s background briefing paper says DISD “Will enable new innovative uses of data to be safely developed…improving our data laws…and ensuring data is well protected.”

There is not much detail at this stage, but DISD appears to put greater focus on the ability to share data to facilitate growth in the economy.  The emphasis is on Digital Verification Services and Smart Data enabling people and businesses to share data across platforms and with third-party providers. 

There is also a specific reference to strengthening the structure of the ICO, accompanied by some reforms to data protection legislation. The paper says the ICO “will be transformed into a more modern regulatory structure, have new stronger powers… targeted reforms to some data laws that will maintain high standards of protection but where there is currently a lack of clarity impeding the safe development and deployment of some new technologies… and promote standards for digital identities around privacy, security and inclusion”. Presumably, the ‘new technologies’ is a reference that will include AI.

The Government’s brief paper points out that data is critical for UK businesses and that 77 per cent of UK businesses handle some form of digital data, increasing to 99 per cent for businesses employing more than 10 people. They state the value of data-enabled exports from the UK to the EU alone is estimated at £91 billion and the government obviously considers this to be a key area which can help them achieve their growth ambitions.

The briefing paper also briefly outlines the government’s proposal to update the UK’s existing cyber security legislative framework by introducing a new “Cyber Security and Resilience Bill”. There are references to “expanding the remit of the existing regulation, putting regulators on a stronger footing, and increasing reporting requirements to build a better picture in government of cyber threats.”

For a no-obligation conversation about data protection and how we might help, contact Prettys’ dedicated Data Protection and Privacy Team at dataprotection@prettys.co.uk or call 01473 232121.