Internet: Data Protection

(asked on 25th September 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Prime Minister's speech to the UN Assembly on 24 September 2019, what steps she is taking to develop a data framework for the internet of things to regulate the use of that data by companies.


Answered by
Nigel Adams Portrait
Nigel Adams
This question was answered on 1st October 2019

The Government takes the protection of personal data extremely seriously. The Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and the GDPR are in place to ensure that organisations who collect and use data do so lawfully and transparently.

The rules included in the DPA 2018 and the GDPR impose strict obligations on organisations to process people’s data fairly and lawfully and to ensure that any data collected is held securely. Organisations must also ensure they have a legal basis for processing data, are clear and transparent about how personal data will be handled, and ensure that the data is processed in a way which individuals would expect. Organisations that fail to comply may be subject to enforcement action by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

We have also issued a Code of Practice for organisations involved in the development, manufacturing and retail of products linked to the ‘Internet of Things’ to ensure that products are designed securely and keep consumers safe. In parallel, we have published consumer guidance to raise public awareness about setting-up, managing and improving the security of their consumer devices. The code of practice and guidance for consumers can be viewed at the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/secure-by-design/consumer-guidance-for-smart-devices-in-the-home

The Government also set up the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation last year to ensure that data and AI-driven innovations continue to deliver maximum benefits for society. The UK already benefits from a world-class regulatory regime, and the Centre will build on this by providing independent, expert advice on responding to the rapidly evolving way in which data is impacting our lives.

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