Calls for UK data reforms to be prioritised post-election

Chris Combemale, chief executive at the Data & Marketing Association (DMA), Stephen Woodford, chief executive at the Advertising Association, Julian David, chief executive at TechUK and Bojanna Bellamy, president at the Centre for Information Policy Leadership, wrote that reform of the data protection framework will drive growth, innovation and wealth creation.

The call for reforms comes ahead of the general election, held tomorrow (Thursday 4th July) and after previous data protection reforms were shelved due to the decision to call a snap election. The open letter was addressed to Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party.

The letter added: “The general election presents an opportunity for all the UK’s political parties to recommit to modern data policies and ensure that as we seek to grow the economy and reform public services, the UK can fully leverage the power of data-driven and digital technologies.”

Among the proposals for reform are clarifying how data can be better used to support scientific research and technology development in both the public and private sectors, including safe and secure artificial intelligence (AI) training and development.

Other proposals include greater legal certainty around the use of legitimate interests as a lawful basis for processing data, removing consent requirements for non-intrusive uses of cookies, and more flexible international data transfers.

The industry bodies also suggested updating the law on automated decision-making technologies such as AI, modernising the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and for smart data schemes to be introduced in sectors such as finance, transport and energy.

The letter said: “A progressive and innovation-friendly regulatory environment that maintains strong privacy protection standards while delivering digital trust and legal certainty, will encourage economic growth, more innovative and effective public services, the easier use of data for research and public good, and greater flexibility in a more complex global environment for data transfers.

“This will in turn support the UK’s ambition to achieve global leadership in trusted and responsible data-driven innovation and artificial intelligence.”