UK Data Reform Bill and AI regulations: to encourage innovation and increase public trust in the technology.
The UK government revealed a pair of post-Brexit data reform measures to promote responsible data usage and economic innovation on Monday (July 18th).
The government announced the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill in the House of Commons. According to a statement from Minister for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure Matt Warman, the data protection reform bill will,
“change the UK’s independent data laws.”
The government is releasing a series of proposals to control the use of artificial intelligence at the same time as the new legislation. The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport released a press statement that read,
“The Bill will seize the benefits of Brexit to keep a high standard of protection for people’s privacy and personal data while delivering around (1 billion pounds) in savings for businesses.”
The proposal was described in detail by Warman, who claimed that it would save businesses “around 1 billion (pounds) over ten years.” In addition to requiring telecom companies to notify the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if unwanted communications are occurring on their networks, the bill would increase fines for non-compliant nuisance calls and texts.
When browser-based or comparable solutions are sufficiently developed, the reform will also,
“pave the way for the removal of irritating banners for other types of cookies,” according to Warman.
👉 Requirements for cookie banner popups for “low-risk activities, such as audience measurement.” are also included.
The proposal also calls for reforming digital identities, which would,
“give people more security and choice when they want to prove things about themselves online or via apps instead of with physical documents.”
The bill would also loosen some restrictions on using personal data for scientific purposes providing scientists the clarity and confidence they need to move on with “life-improving” and “life-saving” research.
The bill would regulate how elected officials and politicians use data and how it is shared with national security and law enforcement agencies. “They will provide agencies clarity on their obligations, boosting the public’s confidence in how their data is being used,” said Warman.
Following public feedback from a year ago, the UK released details of its proposed Data Reform Bill. The future of the UK’s adequacy agreement with the EU has been on everyone’s mind with the proposed changes to its data protection legislation.
“The EU does not require countries to have the same rules to grant adequacy,”
Warman also added in the release on July 18th that “it is our belief that these reforms are compatible with maintaining a free flow of personal data from the European Economic Area.”
The UK government released a proposal for different laws and guidelines for AI and machine learning. The latest AI plans are a part of its national AI strategy.
This bill is still being discussed and is not yet in force, so there’s nothing you need to do right now. As always, we will keep our eye on the latest updates and ensure that all of our solutions are in line with the latest requirements to help you stay compliant.
Since this conversation is ongoing, the UK government welcomes public feedback. If you’re interested in participating in these changes, you can read some of the questions the policy paper has opened below.
The 10-week request for evidence is open and closes on September 26th. The UK government has provided this contact for you to send your views: evidence@officeforai.gov.uk.
iubenda will keep you informed of any changes with the UK GDPR and our products will be aligned with any updates made, follow this page →
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