After Rishi Sunak announced a general election back in May, the Data Protection & Digtial
Information (No.2) Bill (the UK government at the time’s attempt to “update” UK GDPR) fell at the
wash-up (a period before parliament closes for a general election where the main parties fight it
out over which Bills to rush through and which ones to ditch (for now at least).
Under the new Labour government, the DPDI hasn’t been revived and there was little mention of
data protection in the King’s Speech, but there were a couple of Bills announced that impact data:
Digital Information and Smart Data Bill (DISD)
DISD appears to re-introduce several of the provisions from the Data Protection & Digital
Information (No.2) Bill. That said, this doesn’t include any of the significant changes to UK GDPR
previously proposed. The Bill appears to focus on enablement of data sharing practices (“smart
data”) for economic growth, digital ID, reforming the ICO to become a national Information
Commissioner rather than having all powers/functions of the ICO resting with one Commissioner,
and changes to consent for scientific research.
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
This is another new Bill announced in the Kings Speech. It proposes measures for regulators to
enforce upon organisations relating to cyber security measures, such as bolstering cyber defence
measures, mandatory cyber incident reporting and implementation of the NIS rules to digital
services and supply chains (not just essential services).
Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms
It’s also worth noting, a new ministerial position has been introduced with the Labour
government, which could indicate a stronger focus from government on data privacy, although
the role also includes responsibility for digital infrastructure, telecoms, building Digital UK, digital
inclusion and bizarrely also space sector growth and the UK Space Agency.
There is also a Parliamentary Under-Secretary for AI and Digital Government, but no indication (in the
King’s speech) currently, of an UK AI Act, although Labour has pledged to ensure safe
development of AI models, so watch this space.
If you have any concerns about any of these updates, feel free to get in touch.
Providing cost-effective, simple to understand and practical GDPR and ePrivacy advice and guidance, via my one-stop-shop helpline. I ❤️ GDPR
