ORG calls for data protection reform U-turn, analyses DPDIB

In the wake of the dramatic government U-turn of the economic measures proposed in the mini-Budget, the Open Rights Group has written an article suggesting the government walk back plans to water down data rights. Given the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB) is now on hold, the ORG advises the government to recognise its proposed changes could damage civil society and risk EU adequacy.

UPDATE: 191022 - ORG has published a leaflet asking the public to support its campaign to Stop the Data Discrimination Bill. The campaign focuses on four key areas: 

1. The government wants to create a digital surveillance state by granting itself powers to collect and share personal data.
2. The government wants to transfer personal data to countries with lower privacy standards.
3. Abandoning requirements for organisations to undertake data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) will increase privacy risk.
4. Granting Minister's powers to set the priorities of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) exposes the regulator to political direction and corruption.

A separate ORG post provides a detailed analysis of the DPDIB. The study traces the links between the National Data Strategy, the TIGRR report, and the Data: a new direction consultation to the DPDIB. It highlights the government's long-stated intention to turn the UK into a global data hub, with fewer protections and rights for UK citizens, while at the same time slashing administrative burdens for business. 

UPDATE: 201022 - ORG has published a pack for campaigners explaining the issues and providing the key messages to take action as an individual or group.