The government hopes the move will boost growth for startups and small firms, as well as lead to faster scientific discoveries and delivery of public services. On the other hand, privacy experts worry that it could lead to lower protections for consumers.
Aim to Develop a World-Leading Data Policy
UK said that it intends to move away from EU’s data regulation framework and instead develop its own mechanisms. In an official press release, UK Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said that the country will explore international data partnerships. The UK government believes that these partnerships can unlock more trade and innovation by “removing unnecessary barriers and burdens on international data transfers.” This move will open up global markets to the UK, thereby giving customers access to faster, cheaper, and more reliable products and services from around the world. The government said it would prioritize partnerships with the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Dubai International Finance Centre, and Colombia. Additionally, future partnerships with India, Brazil, Kenya, and Indonesia will be prioritized. The new data partnerships will be assessed to ensure the highest standard of protection. The government also said that it aims to move quickly and creatively to develop these global partnerships.
Move Away from GDPR
Secretary Dowden said that these reforms will be “based on common sense, not box-ticking” and will pursue a new era of data-driven growth and innovation. The GDPR data protection rules are a part of UK law even after Brexit. Therefore, if these new partnerships do not comply with GDPR, it could affect data transfers between the EU and UK. Additionally, privacy experts worry about the role of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO is the UK’s data privacy regulator. In his statement, Dowden said that the leadership behind the ICO will need to usher in the new era of data-driven growth. Dowden then backed John Edwards, an international privacy expert, for the role of new Information Commissioner. Privacy experts have expressed concerns that these developments could mean the ICO will prioritize economic growth over data privacy. In response, the UK’s Department for Digital, Cultural, Media, and Sport (DCMS) said that it would “not compromise our high data standards and people’s privacy and data protection.” For more information on the GDPR and what it means for businesses, check out our resource here. If you want to learn more about privacy laws in other parts of the world, read our piece on privacy legislation in the United States.
