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Understand the next steps for data protection reform

The business voice will be critical in shaping further amendments to the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill.

22 Mar 2023, 2 min read

Data is an essential building block for businesses of all sizes and sectors across the UK. Helping firms make the most of their data to address challenges and innovate will drive growth across the economy, as well as supporting UK efforts to become a science and tech superpower.

GDPR reform is a prime example of where the UK government can develop digital regulation that creates certainty for businesses and supports investment.

How has the Bill changed?

The original Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill was introduced in July 2022, but it was withdrawn to make way for a new Bill rather than seek amendments. Since then, the CBI has been engaging the government on this through our membership of the Secretary of State’s Business Advisory Group.

The new Bill – brought to Parliament on 8 April – did not make substantial changes to the original, and the CBI welcomed how the government had worked closely with business to understand their data priorities, including on using data for research and innovation and supporting trade through international data transfers.

These changes were broadly reflective of CBI input to date but some suggestions, including on privacy and electrocommunication regulations (PECR), were notably absent. The Department for Science Innovation and Technology has indicated it will continue to engage stakeholders as the Bill makes its way through the Parliamentary process and to consider additional amendments.

Next Steps

To further update and hear reactions from members we will be holding a virtual meeting of the Data Protection Working Group next month. We will be joined by senior DSIT officials who will speak to you about the Bill’s changes, discuss your ongoing concerns and lay out our engagement plans going forward.

Get Involved

  • Join the Data Protection working group meeting at 14.00-15.30 on 5 April to discuss the DPDI (2.0) Bill. To join the working group and meeting please email Susannah – any members are welcome to join
  • Send any additional written feedback to Caleb
  • Read our press statement on the new DPDI (No.2) Bill
  • Read our response to the initial consultation.