Newsflash: Data protection – changing times…

What do we already know about data protection?

We updated you in our April 2016 Newsletter Government reforms (1): Data protection – changing times… and our June 2016 Newsletter Government reforms (2): data protection changes – guidance on its way about the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which will replace the current EU Data Protection Directive and national data protection legislation.  The GDPR is due to apply to all EU member states from 25 May 2018.

In our July 2016 Newsflash Data protection and Brexit – what will happen? We queried the impact of Brexit on the future of the GDPR.  However, the below news suggests that whether or not we exit the EU, UK employers will need to comply with the GDPR.

What’s new?

The Government has confirmed that the UK will be implementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018. However, it remains unclear what amendments may be made to data protection laws if/when the UK does leave the EU.

As ever, the best advice for employers is to get ready for compliance with the GDPR and the Information Commissioner’s Officer (ICO) has reconfirmed that it will support businesses and public bodies in preparing for compliance.  Indeed, during November the ICO will publish a revised timetable setting out its priorities for the publication of guidance over the next six months, see the ICO’s blog here for further details.