DMA welcomes inclusion of Data Reform Bill in King's Speech

A focus on growth within the King’s Speech is a welcome sign of a proactive strategy to support UK businesses, presented in line with the new Government’s priorities following July’s election. The DMA strongly supports the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill. We will work closely with the government to ensure the critical reforms to data protection legislation that are important to our members will become part of the new Bill.

The DMA has advocated strongly for a new Digital Information and Smart Data Bill that focusses on growth. The DMA has robustly advocated for 12 reforms that will make a difference to businesses and charities that we will work hard to see included in the Bill.

1. Reforms that establish greater certainty for the use of legitimate Interests as a lawful basis particularly attracting and retaining new customers
2. Reforms that clarify how data can be better used to support scientific research and technology development
3. Reforms that reduce bureaucracy for small business
4. Reforms that enable Smart Data schemes to be introduced in appropriate sectors
5. Reforms that reduce the consent requirements for non-intrusive cookies
6. Reforms that update the law to enable beneficial update of automated decision-making like AI while maintaining strong safeguards
7. Reforms that create a more flexible international data transfer regime
8. Reforms that support use of the email soft opt-in for non-commercial organisations
9. Reforms that modernise the structure of the ICO and ensure it considers the impact on innovation and competition
10. Reforms that clarify transparency requirements for publicly available data sources such as the Open Electoral Register
11. Reforms that establish Codes of Conduct in PECR may be contained in the same document as a GDPR Code of Conduct.
12. Reforms that do not risk adequacy in the EU

Responsible use of data and AI will be at the heart of modern public services, advancements in scientific and medical research, and growth in the private sector. A Digital Information and Smart Data Bill that enables data to flow more freely while reducing administrative burdens on business will be very welcome by all marketers, balancing innovation with protecting privacy. Getting the balance right between innovation and privacy is essential to establishing trust in the products, services, and medicines of the future. Prioritising robust data frameworks will form a critical arm of helping the British business landscape and our economy reach their full potential. The Digital Information and Smart Data Bill and AI Bill will empower businesses to attract and retain customers knowing that they are doing so in a responsible, effective, and compliant way.

For more information on the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill and how to contribute to government consultations on the Bill, keep an eye out for our emails, events, social posts and articles, or contact your account manager to schedule a meeting with myself.

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