Last year, more than 42,000 data protection complaints were filed with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This figure is expected to rise to 55,000 in 2026. In response to skyrocketing demand, the ICO has published a consultation(1) on its approach to data protection complaints’ handling. They admit that they are already struggling to handle the volume of complaints, painting a picture of long waiting times for complainants and inconsistent outcomes. The framework under consultation proposes changes to the way complaints are handled, with the aim of addressing these issues.

This article will not examine the merits or details of the proposed consultation, but sets out an alternative vision. This moment presents a critical opportunity to ask whether the UK needs a totally new approach to data protection complaints handling, in the form of an independent Data Protection Ombudsman Service.