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

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to extend the powers of the Information Commissioner to investigate companies which harvest large quantities of data from individuals.

The government wants a 'gold standard' data and privacy regulator that can enforce data protection laws. We are committed to ensuring the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has sufficient powers to meet this ambition. The government's Data Protection Bill will strengthen legislation around data protection and give the ICO tougher powers to ensure organisations comply.

At every amending stage we have listened and amended the Bill where a strong case has been made (such as the new provision to protect children's data rights inserted at Lords Report; and the provision to ensure that data is shared for safeguarding purposes inserted at Commons Committee). We are currently considering whether amendments are needed to further strengthen the Information Commissioner's powers.