U.K. Information Commissioner John Edwards offered wide-ranging comments regarding his new post. Edwards said that "privacy is a right not a privilege" and he believes "we all deserve to have our data treated with respect." In his role as commissioner, Edwards wants to pave the way for companies to "respect our privacy with ease whilst still reaping the benefits of data-driven innovation." He also indicated desires to ensure individuals can control their data and "access remedies if things go wr... Read More

The U.K. Central Digital and Data Office rolled out an algorithmic transparency standard for government agencies and the public sector. CDDO and the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation consulted civil society and academics on the standard, which aims to bring transparency to "the way in which algorithmic tools are being used to support decisions" and especially those decisions with "legal or economic impact on individuals." A pilot program will begin in the coming months to generate feedback b... Read More

In a parting speech before vacating her post, U.K. Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham voiced her concerns regarding the direction of the proposed U.K. data reforms. "I am deeply concerned about any changes to the data protection regime that would remove the centrality of fairness in how people’s data is used," Denham said with specific note to the proposals around artificial intelligence. While indicating the reforms are "well timed," Denham stressed that any regulatory reform "must keep ... Read More

The United Kingdom's Supreme Court denied a claim Wednesday that sought billions of dollars in damages in a class-action lawsuit against Google over alleged illegal tracking of millions of iPhone users. The 3 billion GBP ($4 billion) lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of 4.4 million residents in England and Wales, had implications for other class-action lawsuits filed in the U.K.  Judge George Leggatt said the claimant did not prove damages to the individuals involved in the data collection. "... Read More

U.K. Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham announced a draft journalism code of practice featuring guidance on data protection practices for media outlets and their staff. Denham said the code will bring members of the press up to speed on what's required of them under the U.K. General Data Protection Regulation, noting the code aims to "strike the right balance between journalism, freedom of expression and data protection." The code will be up for public consultation through 10 Jan. 2022.... Read More

The U.K. Information Commissioner's Office submitted a report to U.K. Parliament discussing observations on data protection challenges and practices during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham focused the paper on how the flexibility of the data protection legislation could enable the data use while maintaining protections. The paper also looks at best practices for maintaining user trust as organizations deployed more digital and technological solu... Read More

The Luxembourg National Commission for Data Protection published guidance on how Brexit affects international data transfers. The guidance was created to help "companies, public bodies and associations" in Luxembourg transfer information to the U.K. following the European Commission's adequacy decision adoptions, recommending each entity respect the principles of the EU General Data Protection Regulation when sending data.Full Story ... Read More

After years of uncertainty in the wake of the U.K.'s vote in 2016 to leave the EU, there are finally sign posts for privacy pros to look to as both regions aim to secure cross-border data transfers through U.K. adequacy. In a massive trade agreement signed last Christmas Eve, both regions secured a temporary transfer period that provides the U.K. government and European Commission time to complete an adequacy agreement.  But, of course, the clock is ticking.  "We don't see why the U.K. shouldn... Read More