New laws give more control over personal data
tions to collect personal data will also become a thing of the past.
Businesses will be supported to ensure they are able to manage and secure data properly.
The Information Commissioner’s Office will also be given more power to defend consumer interests and issue higher fines in cases of the most serious data breaches.
Digital minister Matt Hancock said: “Our measures are designed to support businesses in their use of data, and give consumers the confidence that their data is protected and those who misuse it will be held to account.
“The new Data Pro- ● tection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world.
“The bill will give people more control over their data, require more consent for its use, and prepare Britain for Brexit.
“We have some of the best data science in the world and this new law will help it to thrive.”
Features of the proposed new laws include allowing people to ask for their personal data held by companies to be erased, and parents and guardians to give consent for their child’s data to be used.
Other aspects will be explicit consent becoming necessary for processing sensitive personal data, as well as making it easier and free for individuals to require an organisation to disclose the personal data it holds on them.
New criminal offences will also be created to deter organisations from either intentionally or recklessly creating situations where someone could be identified from data.
Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham said: “We are pleased the Government recognises the importance of data protection, its central role in increasing trust and confidence in the digital economy and the benefits the enhanced protections will bring to the public.”
Data protection rules will also be made clearer for those who handle information but they will be made more accountable for what they process with the priority on personal privacy rights.
The Bill will bring the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation into UK law.