The Government has set out its plans for arrangements that could
ensure personal data would continue to move back and forth
between the UK and the EU in the future in a safe, properly
regulated way.
In the latest of a series of papers looking at the UK’s future
partnership with the EU after we have left, the Government will
consider the case for a unique approach that could allow data to
continue to be exchanged to ensure ongoing competitiveness,
innovation and job creation.
The document outlines how the UK is considering an ambitious
model for the protection and exchange of personal data with the
EU that reflects the unprecedented alignment between British and
European law and recognises the high data protection standards
that will be in place at the point of exit.
This would allow us to work more closely with the EU, providing
continuity and certainty for business, allowing public
authorities, including law enforcement authorities, to continue
their close co-operation, protecting people’s data and privacy
and providing for ongoing regulatory co-operation between the UK
and EU data protection authorities.
These proposals will provide a stable base for the Government to
deliver its commitment to turn Britain into the best and safest
place to be online.
Minister for Digital , said:
In the modern world, data flows increasingly underpin trade,
business and all relationships. We want the secure flow of data
to be unhindered in the future as we leave the EU.
So a strong future data relationship between the UK and EU,
based on aligned data protection rules, is in our mutual
interest.
The UK is leading the way on modern data protection laws and we
have worked closely with our EU partners to develop world
leading data protection standards.
The paper published today sets out how we think our data
relationship should continue. Our goal is to combine strong
privacy rules with a relationship that allows flexibility, to
give consumers and businesses certainty in their use of data.
The digital economy is important to the UK’s economy. In 2015 it
was worth £118.4 billion, or 7.1 per cent of UK’s total GVA. This
relies on data being able to flow freely back and forth. Any
disruption to these cross-border data flows could be costly to
both Britain and the EU.
As the UK and the EU build a new, deep and special partnership it
is essential that we agree a UK-EU model for exchanging and
protecting personal data that:
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allows data to continue to be exchanged in a safe and
properly regulated way
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offers sufficient stability and confidence for businesses,
public authorities and individuals
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provides for ongoing regulatory cooperation between the EU
and the UK on current and future data protection issues,
building on the positive opportunity of a partnership between
global leaders on data protection
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continues to protect the privacy of individuals
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respects UK sovereignty, including the UK’s ability to
protect the security of its citizens and its ability to
maintain and develop its position as a leader in data
protection
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does not impose unnecessary additional costs to business
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is based on objective consideration of evidence.
We look forward to the EU outlining its own proposals in this
area and taking forward discussions in future negotiations.
