UK GDPR Reform Is Back! Department of Science, Innovation and Technology Introduces New Data Protection and Digital Information Bill
On 8 March 2023, the newly created Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (“DSIT”) introduced the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill. The “Bill” is in substance a re-introduction of the previous Data Protection and Digital Information Bill which was withdrawn from Parliament on the same day as the new Bill was published. The Bill, which has been hailed by the UK Government as one that will “save billions” and “cut down pointless paperwork” is the UK’s latest attempt to create a more streamlined piece of data protection legislation for the UK whilst still “ensur[ing] data adequacy.” The Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) also welcomed the re-introduction of the Bill, with the Commissioner stating that he would “support [the Bill’s] ambition.” While much of the Bill remains the same as its previous iteration, we set out the key provisions and notable amendments below.
Unpacking Digital Data Laws Across Europe: Addressing the Digital Markets Act
The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) is set to revolutionize the way in which so-called ‘Big Tech’ is regulated in the EU, shifting toward ex-ante rulemaking and away from traditional after-the-fact enforcement. The DMA imposes a stringent regulatory regime on large online platforms (so-called “gatekeepers”) and gives the European Commission (Commission) new enforcement powers, including an ability to impose severe fines and remedies for noncompliance.
EU Publishes New NIS2 Cyber Directive Imposing Liability and Obligations on Senior Management
On 17 January 2023, the new Network and Information Systems Security Directive (“NIS2 Directive”), which is aimed at establishing a minimum level of cybersecurity standards across the EU and is set to replace its predecessor (the NIS or “NIS1 Directive”), entered into force. The new NIS2 Directive aims to further harmonize and strengthen cybersecurity and resilience throughout the EU in response to a continued increase in digitization and rise in cyber (and in particular ransomware) threats – which is estimated to have reached a total cost of €5.5 trillion at the end of 2020 (double the figure of 2015) and continues to rise in the EU and globally notably due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and Russia. (more…)
The Ninth Edition of The Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity Law Review is Now Available
The ninth edition of The Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity Law Review provides a global overview of the legal and regulatory regimes governing data privacy and security, and covers areas such as data processors’ obligations, data subject rights, data transfers and localization, best practices for minimizing cyber risk, public and private enforcement, and an outlook for future developments. Several lawyers from Sidley’s global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice have contributed to this publication. See the chapters below for a closer look at this developing area of law.
European Commission Publishes Draft Cyber Resilience Act
On 15 September 2022, the European Commission (“Commission” or “EC”) published a draft proposal for a Cyber Resilience Act (“CRA” ). The CRA comes in response to the increasingly common occurrence of cyberattacks, with some predicting that the global cost of cyberattacks for companies will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. The CRA promises to transform the European cybersecurity landscape by harmonizing and bolstering cybersecurity rules across all technologies with “digital elements.” The Commission is currently inviting public feedback on the CRA through 18 November 2022. The CRA will then pass through the European Parliament for debate and for amendments to be proposed.
U.S.-EU Data Transfer Framework Signals Strengthened Collaboration
*This article first appeared on Law360 on October 14, 2022
A series of coordinated announcements on Oct. 7 lifted the veil on a new trans-Atlantic data transfer mechanism.
This announcement has been hotly anticipated since a joint declaration from the U.S. and European Union governments on March 25, that there was an agreement in principle for a new EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
The key document in the framework process is Executive Order No. 14086 on enhancing safeguards for U.S. signals intelligence activities, accompanied by a detailed fact sheet on the executive order.
Spotlight on Women in Privacy – Hattie Davison
Hattie Davison, UK Government, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Head of Data Reform Policy (more…)
UK Consults on Algorithmic Processing
Algorithms touch upon multiple aspects of digital life, and their use potentially falls within several separate – though converging – regulatory systems. More than ever, a ‘joined up’ approach is required to assess them, and the UK’s main regulators are working together to try to formulate a coherent policy, setting an interesting example that could be a template for global approaches to digital regulation. (more…)
Data Regulation Ramps Up in Europe: DMA, DSA, and the UK Online Safety Bill
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Since the EU announced its Digital and Data Strategy in February 2020, the European Commission has released several legislative proposals to regulate digital platforms and services, including with respect to access and the use of data. Included within the proposals are the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Digital Markets Act Is Almost Here: 10 Things to Know About the EU’s New Rules for Big Tech
As regulators around the world fiercely debate new ways to oversee competition in the digital sector, the EU is on the brink of formally approving a landmark new law. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) will impose a stringent regulatory regime on large online platforms (so-called “gatekeepers”) and give the European Commission (Commission) new enforcement powers, including an ability to impose severe fines and remedies for noncompliance.
Once it comes into force, the DMA is set to revolutionize the way in which so-called Big Tech is regulated in the EU, shifting toward ex-ante rulemaking and away from traditional after-the-fact enforcement. Given the far-reaching nature of the DMA obligations, their effects will likely be felt globally.
There is a lot to digest, so below is our breakdown of the top 10 key points you should know about the EU’s new rules. (more…)
