The King’s Speech and Labour’s plans for digital, data and cyber security

At the first King’s Speech of the new Government, the Labour party set out an ambitious legislative agenda which places economic growth at its heart.

This new legislative programme includes around 40 Bills, with two specific pieces of legislation focusing on the technology sector: the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill and the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. Notably however, and against expectations, there was no specific piece of legislation focusing on Artificial Intelligence.

While the King’s Speech was light on specifics, the Prime Minister’s briefing notes give the following details of what the Government intends to do:

Digital information and Smart Data Bill

The Bill will:

• Establish digital identity products and services from certified providers to help with things like moving house, pre-employment checks, and buying age restricted goods and services.
• Set up Smart Data schemes whereby customers can securely share their personal data upon their request with authorised third-party providers.
• Amend the Digital Economy Act to help Government share data about businesses that use public services and apply information standards to IT suppliers in the health and social care system.
• Allow scientists to better use data in their work, including by introducing broad consent for areas of scientific research.
• Modernise and strengthen the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to restructure the organisation and give it stronger powers.
• Develop a National Underground Asset Register to give planners and excavators that operate and repair pipes and cables access to the data they need to carry out their work effectively.

Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

The Bill will:

• Expand the remit of existing regulations to protect critical infrastructure and digital services and ensure that they are secure.
• Provide resources and powers to regulators to ensure essential cyber safety measures are being implemented.
• Mandate increased incident reporting to give government better data on cyber-attacks.

What can we do to help?

The points raised in the King’s Speech only give a very brief overview of the new Government’s intentions, and we will need to wait for the legislation itself to be sure what will be implemented.

In the meantime if you require any advice on commercial or digital matters, please contact either James Sarjantson on 0113 201 0401 or ,ku.o1780489927c.fcl1780489927@nost1780489927najra1780489927sj1780489927 or Thomas Taylor on 0113 204 0407 or ku.oc1780489927.fcl@1780489927rolya1780489927tt1780489927.