The Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on the commercial use of consumer data

In recognition of the increasing use of big data and the importance of data to the UK economy the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a fact finding consultation on the collection and use of consumer data.

The findings of the consultation have the potential to effect regulatory change and to inform government thinking. The DMA will ensure that the views of one-to-one marketing are well represented but this is very much an evidence based consultation and so greater number of responses that demonstrate the value of the data-driven industries the better as it will reinforce DMA messaging.

Please email any comments you have to James Milligan, solicitor at the DMA (James.Milligan@dma.org.uk) by close of play Friday 27 February 2015. We will collate all the comments handed in and take these into account when responding to the consultation. Your input will ensure a robust response from the DMA and add clout to our points.

Background to the consultation

The CMA is tasked with making markets work well for consumers and businesses, and the economy as a whole. The use of consumer data is driving growth in many industries, especially in one-to-one marketing and is benefitting consumers. However, the data-driven industries have been developing rapidly and so the CMA seeking to clarify the benefits obtained from the collection and use of consumer data.

The consultation is a broad fact finding mission and so while there are a series of questions that the CMA wants answers on, they welcome comments on anything relating to the use of consumer data for commercial purposes.

Key areas the consultation will explore

The CMA want to know more about a number of areas where the collection and use of consumer data is likely to change in the near future:

- How do consumers benefit from sharing their data and what types of data sharing or processing generate benefits for consumers?

- How is consumer data collected?

- How do businesses generate value from consumer data?

- ‘Consumer data is aggregated, bought and sold’ – the CMA want to understand the licensing, commercial use and re-use of consumer data by different businesses?

- ‘Consumer data may also lead to problems for consumers’ – the CMA have a number of questions around this for example, is access to data ever limited such that it constrains new entry by new, potentially innovative, providers? Or, how aware are consumers about their data is used?

Responding to the consultation

The CMA has set a deadline of 5 pm on Friday 6 March 2015 for responses to the consultation. If you want to submit your own response to ConsumerData@cma.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:

Consumer Data Call for Information
Competition and Markets Authority
7th Floor
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD

We look forward to hearing from you and value your input.