Consultation on 'Data: a new direction'

As part of its National Data Strategy, the government has launched a consultation, 'Data: a new direction' on reforms to create a pro-growth and trusted data regime.

Building on the current UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the proposed reforms aim to support innovation and economic growth whilst maintaining high data protection standards. The objectives are:

• Keep pace with the rapid innovation of data-intensive technologies.
• Help innovative businesses of all sizes to use data responsibly without undue uncertainty or risk, both in the UK and internationally.
• Ensure the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is equipped to regulate effectively in an increasingly data-driven world.

The consultation document sets out the reforms in detail with specific questions asked for each topic and covers the following areas:

• Reducing barriers to responsible innovation.
• Reducing burdens on businesses and delivering better outcomes for people.
• Boosting trade and reducing barriers to data flows.
• Delivering better public services.
• Reform of the Information Commissioner's Office.

The consultation is open until 19 November 2021. Responses can be delivered online, via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by writing to the Domestic Data Protection team, DCMS, 100 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2BQ. Email and written entries should include:

• Your name.
• Your organisation’s name.
• Your organisation’s details.
• Email address.

Useful guides on this topic

Schedule 23 Data Gathering Powers
Schedule Finance Act 2011 Data Gathering Powers: Who is a data holder and what information may HMRC request from them?  

GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation
What is GDPR? Who does it apply to? What obligations does it impose and what are the consequences of a breach of the rules?

GDPR: Statement on GDPR compliance
A statement on General Data Protection Regulation 'GDPR' compliance, it may be suitable for an accounting and tax practice or for any other business holiding a lot personal data.

External link

Consultation: Data: a new direction