Big Brother Upgrade? How the UK’s Data Bill Expands Government Surveillance
The Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL] is a legislative proposal introduced to the UK Parliament on October 23, 2024, aiming to reform the nation's data usage and access framework. The government asserts that the bill will "unlock the secure and effective use of data for the public interest," potentially boosting the UK economy by £10 billion and freeing up millions of hours for police and NHS staff.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Data Access and Sharing: The bill seeks to facilitate access to customer and business data, enhancing the ability to ascertain and verify facts about individuals.
Regulatory Amendments: It proposes changes to existing data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECRs), aiming to simplify compliance for businesses.
Public Service Efficiency: By promoting effective data use, the bill intends to improve public service delivery, particularly within the NHS and law enforcement agencies.
Establishment of the Information Commission: The legislation includes provisions to establish an Information Commission, which will oversee data practices and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The Open Rights Group highlights that the bill introduces clauses enabling the Secretary of State to override existing laws and adjust key aspects of UK data protection via Statutory Instruments. 1
Additionally, concerns have been expressed about the potential impact on privacy and data security, especially regarding the handling of sensitive information within public services. The broad scope of the bill, covering areas from data protection to smart meter licensing and the registration of births and deaths, has prompted discussions about its implications for health data and other sensitive information.2
As of February 2025, the Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL] is progressing through the parliamentary process, currently in the House of Commons.
This is what they say this bill is about:
Let me translate this and then break down this bill that has 271 pages.