Data

In its response to the government’s data protection consultation, the Information Commissioner’s Office has raised worries over its future ability to function independently of government interference

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252507865/ICO-expresses-concerns-over-its-future-independence

A data privacy and compliance expert considers what the ICO’s proposals for an overhaul of cookie consent procedures could mean for businesses

https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/ICO-cookie-consent-how-will-the-plan-affect-businesses

The UK government has made strong statements about the nation’s post-Brexit data strategy but must be careful not to undermine its global credibility

https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/UK-data-plans-data-plans-aim-to-boost-growth-but-will-they-isolate-us-its-international-friends

A second breach of data relating to Afghan citizens at risk of Taliban reprisals has been reported by the Ministry of Defence

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252507078/MoD-in-second-leak-of-Afghan-citizens-data

Exposure of PII on Afghan interpreters who worked with the UK may put hundreds at risk of Taliban reprisals

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506972/Investigation-launched-after-MoD-email-blunder

The ICO has today announced fines totalling £495,000 to well-known companies that between them sent more than 354 million nuisance messages.

https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/news-and-events/news-and-blogs/2021/09/we-buy-any-car-sports-direct-and-saga-fined-495-000/

The UK government plans to strip a series of “administrative burdens” from data protection law in a move that would enshrine the concept of more flexible, risk-based ‘privacy management’ into legislation.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/uk-data-protection-law-reform-privacy-management

The UK government is considering withdrawing the requirement for consent to cookies from UK law.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/cookie-law-faces-revamp-under-uk-data-reforms

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined WhatsApp €225 million for failings of transparency under EU data protection laws and ordered the company to amend its practices within three months.

https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/whatsapp-fined-225m-gdpr-transparency

The leak of a database of 61 million users of health-tracking devices includes records on individuals located in the UK

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252506664/Mass-health-tracker-data-breach-has-UK-impact