UK SMEs support pending reforms to UK data privacy laws

Whilst GDPR laid the foundations for enhanced global data protection standards — with its robust consumer protections — it also introduced some challenges to businesses across the UK.

Over the past few years, the DMA has worked closely with our community to identify these challenges, advocating for data privacy reforms that will drive data-driven innovation in an extremely challenging economic climate.

As a result of the DMA’s consultations with Members across the UK, we learned that reforms would need to reduce burdensome red tape, make it easier to build relationships with both new and existing customers, and provide greater legislative clarity, particularly surrounding legitimate interests (one of GDPR’s six equal lawful bases for data processing).

The DMA has since been at the forefront of reforming UK data privacy laws in the form of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI). The government recognised our community’s role in forming sensible, pro-growth reforms, and appointed our CEO, Chris Combemale, to Chair the DPDI Business Advisory Group for the Secretary of State.

Our latest report demonstrates how essential these reforms are for business. The "Data Horizons: How UK SMEs and Consumers View the Future of Privacy Regulation" asked both SME owners and the UK public about their views on the future of data protection. It revealed that DPDI’s reforms are completely in alignment with what businesses are seeking.