Minister for data: UK to replace the GDPR



Speaking at the Conservative Party’s annual conference on 3 October, Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said that the government will replace the GDPR ‘with our own business and consumer-friendly, British data protection system.’

‘Our plan will protect consumer privacy and keep their data safe, whilst retaining our data adequacy so businesses can trade freely.’

Donelan gave examples of countries outside of the EU which have achieved data adequacy - Israel, Japan, South Korea, Canada and New Zealand.

‘Our new data protection plan will focus on growth and common sense, helping to prevent losses from cyber attacks and data breaches, while protecting data privacy. This will allow us to reduce the needless regulations and business-stifling elements, while taking the best bits from others around the world to form a truly bespoke, British system of data protection.’

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill was pulled at its second reading on 5 September. It is not yet clear which aspects of the Bill would remain, and which would be reworked.

The ICO has commented on Twitter: “We are pleased to hear the Government's commitment to protecting people's privacy, preserving adequacy and simplifying data protection law. We look forward to seeing further details, and stand ready to provide our advice and insight.”

See: Conservatives - Our plan for digital infrastructure, culture, media and sport