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UK Data Protection Act 2018

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
£17.5M or 4%
Scope
National
Regulator
ICO
Framework
UK GDPR

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Overview

The Data Protection Act 2018 implements and supplements the UK GDPR, establishing specific national requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2018
  • Enforced by Information Commissioner's Office
  • Includes UK-specific requirements beyond UK GDPR

Key Principles

Lawfulness and Transparency

Personal data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

Requirements

  • Valid legal basis for processing
  • Clear privacy notices
  • Transparent processing activities
  • Documentation of legal grounds
  • Regular compliance reviews

Examples

  • Privacy notices on websites
  • Consent management systems
  • Processing records
  • Documentation of legal bases

Data Minimization

Collection and processing of personal data must be limited to what is necessary.

Requirements

  • Assess data necessity
  • Limit collection scope
  • Regular data reviews
  • Deletion procedures
  • Documentation of necessity

Examples

  • Data collection forms
  • Necessity assessments
  • Deletion schedules
  • Review procedures

UK-Specific Requirements

Additional requirements specific to UK data protection law.

Requirements

  • Age-appropriate design
  • Immigration control exemption
  • National security measures
  • Law enforcement processing
  • Data breach notification

Examples

  • Age verification systems
  • Immigration processing procedures
  • Security measures documentation
  • Breach notification forms

Compliance Requirements

Data Protection Officer

Requirements for appointing and maintaining a Data Protection Officer position.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess DPO requirement
  • Appoint qualified DPO
  • Ensure independence
  • Provide resources
  • Document activities

Required Documentation

  • DPO appointment letter
  • Qualification records
  • Activity reports
  • Training certificates
  • Resource allocation

Processing Records

Maintenance of records of processing activities.

Implementation Steps

  • Document processing activities
  • Map data flows
  • Update regularly
  • Review compliance
  • Maintain records

Required Documentation

  • Processing records
  • Data flow diagrams
  • Review logs
  • Update history
  • Compliance reports

International Transfers

Requirements for transferring personal data outside the UK.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess transfer mechanisms
  • Implement safeguards
  • Obtain authorizations
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance

Required Documentation

  • Transfer agreements
  • Adequacy decisions
  • Authorization records
  • Transfer logs
  • Monitoring reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can impose significant administrative fines for violations.

Penalty Categories

Higher Maximum
Up to £17.5M or 4% of global revenue
For violations of data protection principles or data subject rights
Standard Maximum
Up to £8.7M or 2% of global revenue
For violations of organizational requirements
Other Powers
Varies
Including enforcement notices and audits

Example Cases

British Airways
£20M
2020 - Data breach affecting 400,000 customers
Marriott International
£18.4M
2020 - Data breach affecting 339 million guests

Criminal Prosecution

The ICO can pursue criminal prosecution for certain offenses.

Penalty Categories

Unlawful Obtaining
Unlimited fine
For knowingly obtaining personal data unlawfully
Re-identification
Unlimited fine
For re-identifying de-identified personal data
Alteration
Unlimited fine
For altering records to prevent disclosure

Example Cases

Motor Industry Employee
£25,500
2021 - Unlawfully obtaining vehicle keeper data
Claims Management Company
£45,000
2020 - Making unlawful marketing calls