John Edwards begins his term as new UK data laws evolve

John Edwards has started his term as the new Information Commissioner and we look forward to engaging with him as we have done with all his predecessors.

The next physical event in our diaries will be the PL&B workshop on the DCMS data protection consultation – the date to be announced once the DCMS has analysed the responses to this slightly controversial consultation.

There is a risk that some of the proposals, especially on changing the existing accountability framework, would rock the boat with EU’s institutions in terms of UK adequacy. For example, DPOs are well informed professionals and should be retained. Organisations have spent time and efforts to put them in place, and DPOs are vital in educating the rest of the staff on DP matters, let alone in responding to DSARs, some of which are highly contentious and require specialist knowledge.

We are delighted to announce the team of our regular correspondents for 2022 and welcome new writers.

• TLT LLP: Emma Erskine-Fox, Associate, and Gareth Oldale, Partner
• Wedlake Bell: Alexander Dittel, Partner
• HelloDPO: Alison Deighton and Jenai Nissim, Co-founders
• Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati: Laura Brodahl, Associate
• Slaughter and May: Rebecca Cousin, Partner; Rob Sumroy, Partner; Richard Jeens, Partner; Cindy Knott, Professional Support Lawyer, and colleagues
• Ropes and Gray International LLP: Edward Machin, Associate
• Stephenson Harwood LLP: Katie Hewson, Partner.

Wishing you a Very Happy New Year.

Laura Linkomies
Editor, Privacy Laws & Business

January 2022