The UK Information Commmissioner’s Office (ICO) has responded to the Department for Digital, Culture. Media & Sport consultation: “Data: a new direction.”

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham explained that since the introduction of the Data Protection Act, it is important that the government ensures the UK is fit for the future and able to play a leading role in the global digital economy. However, the proposed changes to data regulations in the UK are a cause of concern, stating that “the devil will be in the detail.”

”Despite this broad support for the proposals to reform the ICO’s constitution, there are some important specific proposals where I have strong concerns because of their risk to regulatory independence,” the commissioner explained.

“For the future ICO to be able to hold government to account, it is vital its governance model preserves its independence and is workable, within the context of the framework set by Parliament and with effective accountability.

“The current proposals for the Secretary of State to approve ICO guidance and to appoint the CEO do not sufficiently safeguard this independence. I urge Government to reconsider these proposals to ensure the independence of the regulator is preserved.”

Last month, the UK announced its new plans for international data transfers. In a statement, Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden explained that these new changes would develop “a world-leading data policy that will deliver a Brexit dividend for individuals and businesses across the UK. 

 

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