Data Protection (Independent Complaint) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• It allows representative bodies and organisations to exercise independent complaint and remedy rights for data subjects.
• It amends the Data Protection Act 2018 to extend who can act on behalf of individuals.
• It targets groups representing data subjects, such as consumer groups, charities and professional bodies.
• It aims to improve access to justice for individuals seeking redress under data protection rules.
• It will require considerations of how representatives interact with the data protection regulator and individuals’ own rights.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading in the Lords, meaning it has begun formal consideration and would proceed to committee stage and further readings in the Lords if given time.

Voting

In related 2018 divisions on the Data Protection Bill in the Lords, opposition parties generally supported expanding independent complaint rights, while the governing Conservative side tended to oppose; Sinn Féin and the Speaker did not vote in those divisions.