The new bill is aimed at allowing people to erase histories online and make it easier for people to control how companies use their personal details including having to provide explicit consent for their information to be collected online. The bill sees the Information Commissioner’s Office given extra teeth with the maximum fine increased from £500,000 to £17 million - or 4 per cent of a firm’s global turnover.
Confidence
‘Our measures are designed to support businesses in their use of data, and give consumers the confidence that their data is protected and those who misuse it will be held to account,’ said Digital Minister Matt Hancock who added: ‘The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world.’
Importance of data protection
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham added: ‘We are pleased the Government recognises the importance of data protection, its central role in increasing trust and confidence in the digital economy and the benefits the enhanced protections will bring to the public.'
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