The Data (Use and Access) Bill has successfully passed through the Houses of Parliament, replacing the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Bill began its passage through Parliament in the autumn of 2024, reflecting ongoing legislative efforts regarding data use.

The Data & Marketing Association indicates that the Bill aligns with EU data protection principles to maintain the UK's 'adequacy' status for personal data transfer from the EU.

As part of the changes, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will transition from a corporation sole to a corporate body called the Information Commission, overseen by a Chair and non-executive board.

The ICO's new mandate includes balancing public interest in innovation and competition with data protection and privacy.

In parallel, the Home Affairs Committee has initiated an inquiry into the benefits and risks of government-issued digital ID, with a submission deadline set for August 21, 2025.

This inquiry will explore the necessity of mandatory digital ID, its role in fraud prevention, labor market checks, and border management.

Dame Karen Bradley, chair of the committee, acknowledges potential benefits of digital ID for crime reduction and immigration control but also highlights privacy concerns and implementation costs.

Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, warns that online activities leave digital footprints that can be exploited, potentially harming creativity in the arts.

Moore emphasizes that privacy protection extends beyond avoiding spam to safeguarding creativity against algorithmic exploitation.