New UK Government Digital Information and Smart Data Bill

The UK government last week set out a new far reaching data legislation agenda with the announcement of the new Digital Information and Smart Data Bill 2024 (DISD Bill) in the Kings Speech. The bill has seismic implications and consequences across all industries impacting digital identify, data privacy and data management. The new DISD Bill completely replaces the previous now abandoned Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (No.2). Key points from the DISB bill include:

1. Digital Identity Framework: Establishing a Digital Verification Service (DVS) to create a national digital identity framework. This aims to make digital identities as trustworthy as paper documents for various uses such as pre-employment checks, buying age-restricted goods, and moving house. The framework includes a trust mark for registered digital verification service providers and a DVS register listing these businesses.

2. Smart Data Initiatives: Introducing provisions for smart data schemes to empower consumers and foster innovation. This will allow consumers to share their data with third-party providers for personalised services, such as better energy usage recommendations or tailored banking products. The legislation also aims to create a competitive market and level the playing field for smaller businesses by enabling more effective data sharing.

3. Reforming Data Protection: Amending existing data protection laws to reduce the burden on organisations while maintaining high standards. This includes reducing the frequency of consent pop-ups online and enhancing the legal framework for international data transfers through ‘data bridges.’

4. Consumer Protections: Including strengthening penalties for nuisance calls and texts, aiming to reduce the number of unwanted communications.

5. Support for Law Enforcement: Facilitating the use of personal data for law enforcement and national security purposes, including longer retention of biometric data from foreign partners and the ability for Ofcom to require social media companies to retain data relevant to investigations into sensitive topics.

6. Administrative Reforms: Includes moving the registration of births and deaths to an electronic system and creating a national underground asset register to improve infrastructure management.

The bill represents a comprehensive approach to modernising data protection, promoting digital identities, and enhancing consumer rights and innovation in the digital economy.

Quaylogic will be closely tracking the development of the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill and what the impacts and opportunities are over the next coming weeks.

To find out more about the impact and opportunity of the new Digital Information and Smart Data Bill on your business contact us now on info@quaylogic.com or contact the author: Campbell Paterson (Quaylogic Data Management Expert) campbell.paterson@quaylogic.com

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