As the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 receives Royal Assent, the
Law Society of England and Wales welcomes its impetus to
modernise data use but remains concerned over data protection,
legal safeguards and data adequacy.
The Act makes it easier to share information for public services
like the NHS and gives businesses better access to data to
improve services and customer satisfaction. However, checks and
balances must be able to ensure privacy protections, especially
about personal data.
More clarity is needed around how AI and other tech companies can
use copyrighted content without permission. The Law Society
recently had the opportunity to respond to the government's
Copyright and AI consultation to address this issue.
Law Society CEO Ian Jeffery said: “The new Act affects the legal
sector by updating rules around data compliance, privacy and data
adequacy. The Act supports innovation but there must be
safeguards and protections for using personal data and publicly
available content.
“The government needs to ensure that the UK retains its EU data
adequacy decision so that data continues to flow smoothly. This
is crucial to provide confidence to UK businesses, lawyers and
clients and ensure that England and Wales remain the global
jurisdiction of choice.
“Wider data considerations still to be debated, including
copyright rules and AI regulation, should aim to protect and
benefit the public, fairly balancing the interests of content
creators and tech developers.”
Notes to editors
- The government's new data bill can be found here.
- The Law Society AI strategy can be found here.
- The full response of the Law Society to the Copyright and AI
consultation can be found here.
