UK’s House of Lords Urges Early Data Adequacy Talks with EU
The House of Lords European Affairs Committee has urged the UK Government to initiate early discussions with the European Commission regarding a new data adequacy agreement. This agreement is crucial to avoid potential disruptions to the economy, particularly as the current data adequacy status is set to expire in June 2025. The committee has reached out to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to emphasize the importance of renewing this agreement, which was established in 2021. Under this agreement, the EU recognized the UK’s data protection regulations as equivalent to its own, facilitating seamless data flow between the two entities.
Experts have expressed concerns that losing data adequacy status would lead to increased operational challenges for businesses and organizations, resulting in significant additional costs. The committee’s inquiry revealed that the potential loss could impose compliance costs on UK businesses amounting to approximately €1 billion. Lord Ricketts, the committee’s chairman, highlighted that such a loss would contradict the Government’s goals of fostering economic growth and improving relations with the EU.
Lord Ricketts emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement by June 2025, warning of a potential “cliff-edge” scenario if negotiations do not progress. He stated that the secure exchange of data is vital for maintaining trade relations and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The committee has recommended that securing a timely agreement on data adequacy be a top priority for the Government as it seeks to reset its relationship with the EU.
Additionally, the committee noted that the current General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) framework in the UK could benefit from reform. While there is room for improvement, any changes must not jeopardize the UK’s adequacy status. A representative from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed that the Science Secretary has engaged with EU officials to discuss the upcoming review of the UK’s data adequacy status and to ensure the continuity of personal data flows.
Source: Lords committee urges Government to begin new talks with EU over data adequacy
