How New Data Laws Will Affect You

Here, we look at how the Data Use and Access Bill is poised to reshape how our personal data is handled in the UK and we also review the significant changes it will bring, with implications for the NHS and beyond. 

What Is the Data Use and Access Bill? 

Introduced as a cornerstone of the government’s plan to modernise data governance, the Data Use and Access Bill aims to overhaul existing data laws to improve economic growth, streamline public services, and enhance data security. Originating from a need to update the UK’s data legislation post-Brexit, the bill seeks to replace or amend elements of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to better suit national interests. The government claims that streamlining data usage and access could generate £10 billion of economic benefit. While the exact date of its enactment remains uncertain, the bill is expected to come into force within the coming year, subject to parliamentary approval.