The UK Government has revealed its plans to introduce a new Data Reform Bill, which will differ from the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act, described by the Government as “highly complex."
The announcement was made during the Queen’s Speech at the Opening of Parliament, in which Prince Charles stood in for Queen Elizabeth, who decided not to attend for health reasons.
“The United Kingdom’s data protection regime will be reformed,” Prince Charles announced.
According to the Government, the bill will streamline data-protection laws and cut red tape, reducing the burden on businesses by creating a more flexible, outcomes-focused approach “rather than box-ticking exercises” while also introducing clearer rules around personal data use. This is seen as an improvement to current legislation, which is said to encourage “excessive paperwork.”
Industry representatives have expressed concerns that, if done...