UK Plans to Reform GDPR Data Rules Post-Brexit

The UK government has announced plans to diverge from some parts of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and revealed that New Zealand's Privacy Commissioner John Edwards is its preferred nominee to be the next UK Information Commissioner.

The announcement sets out the government's intention to consult on reforms to the UK's future data regime and gives detail of data adequacy partnerships that will allow it to send people's personal data to places such as the US, Korea, Singapore, Dubai and Colombia. In an interview with the Telegraph newspaper, Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said that the role of Information Commissioner will be balanced between protecting rights and promoting innovation and economic growth. Dowden claimed that data laws could be based on 'common sense, not box-ticking', adding that the reforms could lead to an end to 'irritating cookie popups' and consent requests online.

Edwards (pictured) has been named as the government's preferred candidate for the role of Information Commissioner, after a career which has included being appointed NZ Privacy Commissioner in 2014, and practicing law in Wellington for more than two decades. During his career, he has also acted in legal roles for the Ministry of Health, State Services Commission, Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet and Inland Revenue Department.

If Edwards' appointment is approved by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, and the Queen, he will replace Elizabeth Denham who was appointed in 2016 for a five-year term. Denham comments: 'Implementing any changes parliament decides on will fall to my successor, who will take on a role that has never been more important or more relevant to people's lives. John Edwards would bring extraordinary breadth, international leadership and credibility to this role.'

Web site: www.ico.org.uk .