On 1 March 2017, the UK government published its Digital Strategy (“Strategy”) for a “world-leading digital economy that works for everyone.”. The Strategy contains a number of statements that bring some certainty to the direction of regulation in the UK following its withdrawal from the European Union.

Unlocking the data economy

The Strategy notes the opportunities presented through the use of data analytics, artificial intelligence and the internet of things. Noting a recent Information Commissioner’s Office study, which found that only one in four UK adults trust businesses with personal data, a key aspect of the Strategy is to improve public trust and confidence in the use of data, enabling the UK to house a ‘world-leading’ data economy. To this end, the Strategy confirms that the UK will implement the General Data Protection Regulation by May 2018 (“GDPR”), ensuring a “shared and higher standard of protection for consumers and their data cross Europe and beyond.” Businesses will also be encouraged to adopt ethical frameworks for the use of data.
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