New data laws to boost British business, protect consumers & seize the benefits of Brexit
The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill is designed to promote data-driven innovation and reduce some of the burdens associated with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Bill is intended to update and simplify the UK’s data protection framework. The governance structure and powers of the Information Commissioner’s Office (the regulator) would be reformed and transferred to a new body, the Information Commission.
The Bill would:
- establish a framework for the provision of digital verification services.
- increase fines for nuisance calls and texts under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
- update the PECR rules to cut down on ‘user consent’ pop-ups and banners.
- allow for the sharing of customer data, through smart data schemes, to provide services such as personalised market comparisons and account management.
- reform the way births and deaths are registered in England and Wales, enabling the move to registration in an electronic register.
- facilitate the flow and use of personal data for law enforcement and national security purposes.
- create a clearer legal basis for political parties and elected representatives to process personal data