Data Protection Bill: Government releases statement of intent

The UK Government has now officially released its statement of intent regarding the UK`s Data Protection laws in the UK Data Protection bill.

The bill that has been drafted by the Digital Minister Matt Hancock, plans to bring UK laws in line with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation when it comes into force on May 25th 2018.

Under the EU’s data protection framework, personal data can only be transferred to a third country where an adequate level of protection is guaranteed. The proposed bill will now meet and exceed the standards set by the EU, giving British businesses the ability to continue exchanging and handling data with European partners once we have left EU

The landmark bill expands the definition of personal information to include IP addresses, DNA and cookies and according to Hancock “give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world”. The bill also releases plans to issue significant fines, of up to 17 million pounds or 4 per cent of global turnover, in cases of very serious data breaches.

According to Mr Hancock “We have some of the best data science in the world and this new law will help it to thrive”.

Key facts

• Individuals to gain greater control over their personal data by gaining the right to be forgotten.
• Social media platforms will be forced to delete any data regarding children and adults upon request
• Companies now will need to request permission to collect personal data rather than relying on pre-selected tick boxes, which are usually largely ignored 
• Expand the definition of personal data to include IP addresses, internet cookies and DNA
• Make it easier and free for individuals to require an organisation reveal the personal data it holds on them.

Elizabeth Denham, the information commissioner, said: "We are pleased the government recognises the importance of data protection, its central role in increasing trust and confidence in the digital economy and the benefits the enhanced protections will bring to the public."

What’s Next for Your Business?

Whether this is the first you’ve heard of the GDPR or you’ve already started planning, it’s important to know where you stand and how well-placed your business is before May 2018.

To help with this experts at IRIS are offering a range of options including free GDPR health checks, a series of free webinars and various.

 Click here for more information on GDPR