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UK General Data Protection Regulation

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
£17.5M or 4%
Scope
UK
Regulator
ICO
Breach Notice
72 Hours

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Overview

The UK GDPR is the United Kingdom's data protection law that governs the processing of personal data. It mirrors the EU GDPR but has been adapted for UK law following Brexit.

Key Facts

  • Effective since January 1, 2021
  • Enforced by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
  • Applies to organizations processing UK residents' data

Key Principles

Accountability

Organizations must take responsibility for complying with UK GDPR and demonstrate their compliance.

Requirements

  • Document policies and procedures
  • Maintain records of processing
  • Conduct regular audits
  • Implement appropriate measures
  • Train staff on data protection

Examples

  • Written privacy policies
  • Data protection impact assessments
  • Staff training records
  • Processing activity logs

Data Protection by Design

Privacy and data protection should be considered from the start of any project or processing activity.

Requirements

  • Privacy impact assessments
  • Data minimization strategies
  • Security measures implementation
  • Regular risk assessments
  • Privacy-friendly default settings

Examples

  • Privacy settings enabled by default
  • Minimal data collection forms
  • Encryption implementation
  • Access control systems

International Data Transfers

Special requirements for transferring personal data outside the UK to ensure adequate protection.

Requirements

  • Adequacy assessment
  • Appropriate safeguards
  • Binding corporate rules
  • Standard contractual clauses
  • Transfer impact assessments

Examples

  • Data transfer agreements
  • EU adequacy decisions
  • Corporate binding rules
  • Transfer risk assessments

Compliance Requirements

Documentation Requirements

Organizations must maintain comprehensive documentation of their data protection practices.

Implementation Steps

  • Create data protection policies
  • Document processing activities
  • Maintain security procedures
  • Record data subject requests
  • Keep training records

Required Documentation

  • Privacy policy
  • Processing register
  • Security procedures
  • DPIA templates
  • Training materials

Breach Response Protocol

Organizations must have procedures to detect, report, and investigate personal data breaches.

Implementation Steps

  • Establish detection mechanisms
  • Create response procedures
  • Set up notification process
  • Train response team
  • Document incidents

Required Documentation

  • Breach response plan
  • Notification templates
  • Investigation procedures
  • Risk assessment forms
  • Incident logs

International Transfer Requirements

Special requirements for transferring data outside the UK post-Brexit.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess transfer mechanisms
  • Implement safeguards
  • Conduct transfer impact assessments
  • Monitor adequacy decisions
  • Review contracts

Required Documentation

  • Transfer agreements
  • Impact assessments
  • Adequacy decisions
  • Contractual clauses
  • Review records

Enforcement & Penalties

ICO Powers

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has various enforcement powers to address non-compliance.

Powers

  • Issue fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover
  • Conduct audits and investigations
  • Issue enforcement notices
  • Require changes to processing activities
  • Prosecute criminal offenses

Example Cases

British Airways Data Breach
£20 million
2020 - Customer data breach affecting 400,000 customers
Marriott International
£18.4 million
2020 - Failure to keep customer data secure

Individual Rights

Individuals can take legal action and claim compensation for violations.

Powers

  • Right to claim compensation
  • Class action lawsuits
  • Complaints to ICO
  • Court proceedings
  • Injunctive relief

Example Cases

Lloyd v Google
Not specified
2021 - Representative action for browser tracking
TikTok Class Action
Pending
2023 - Children's data protection claims