techUK Ltd.

06/13/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/13/2025 08:27

Data (Use and Access) Bill Passes, Ushering in New Era for UK Innovation

techUK news and views
13 Jun 2025
by Audre Verseckaite

Data (Use and Access) Bill Passes, Ushering in New Era for UK Innovation

On 11 June, the Data (Use and Access) Bill completed its passage through Parliament. Much anticipated by techUK and our members, these reforms modernise UK's data protection framework into one that is clearer, more flexible, and more user-friendly to researchers and innovators, while maintaining high data protection standards - key in building trust in the new digital age. The economic significance is substantial - data access and sharing are estimated by the OECD to generate up to 4% GDP gains.

Having been actively engaged throughout the development of these reforms over the past three years - including through the Government's Business Advisory Group and wider consultation processes - techUK welcomes the Bill's passage and the benefits it will provide for individuals and organisations across the UK.

Key measures include:

  • Fostering innovation, competition and consumer choice by enabling Smart Data Schemes: Smart Data schemes will facilitate safe data sharing in sectors including finance, transport, energy, and home buying, enabling innovation, and improving consumer choice. For example, Open Finance alone is estimated to have the potential to boost UK GDP by £30.5 billion annually by fostering a more competitive and innovative market environment.

  • Enhancing trust with Digital ID to support economic growth: The Digital Identity Trust Framework introduces important measures that aim to help underpin trust in Digital IDs. A critical driver of economic growth, its widespread adoption could add £800 million annually to the UK economy through improved financial inclusion, reduced levels of fraud, and streamlined access to services like banking, public services, and retail experiences.

  • Introducing a "recognised" legitimate interest list to streamline data use for public safety: The reforms introduce a clear list of approved purposes for using data in urgent public interest situations like crime prevention, protecting vulnerable people, and emergency response. Previously, organisations had to carry out complex legal assessments before using data for these purposes, which could delay critical responses. This change provides clear legal grounds for data use when it matters most.

  • Standardised health and care IT systems: The Act standardises information across health and adult social care IT systems in England, supporting more interoperable medical records and ensuring frontline professionals have timely access to accurate information. Estimates suggest this could save 140,000 hours of NHS staff time annually, reduce 6.8 million medication errors, and improve patient outcomes.

  • Introducing a risk-based approach to automated decision-making - The Act introduces a carefully designed, risk-based approach that distinguishes between low-risk and high-risk automated decision-making. This enables organisations to use automation more widely in routine, low-risk scenarios which make up the majority of ADM uses - such as service personalisation, faster logins, or initial credit eligibility checks.

The reforms maintain strong safeguards for high-risk applications that could have legal or similarly significant effects on individuals, such as mortgage reviews or employment decisions. These include clear requirements to inform individuals about automated processing and give them rights to contest decisions and seek human intervention.

For sensitive personal data, automated decision-making remains prohibited unless explicit consent has been given, or the processing is both necessary for a contract/required by law AND serves a substantial public interest. The ICO has assessed that this approach "strikes a good balance between facilitating the benefits of automation and maintaining additional protection for special category data."

The benefits are substantial: automated systems can reduce fraud(DWP estimates savings of £1.6 billion by 2030-31 from fraud detection), improve public services (the US Department of Veterans Affairs reduced document processing times by 90%), and enhance customer experiences through better matching services. These systems also support consistent application of rules across organisations, reducing variability and increasing transparency in decision-making. For more information, read techUK's briefing on ADM here.

What comes next?

Realising these benefits requires effective implementation. techUK looks forward to engaging working with departments, regulators, and members to ensure successful implementation - supporting innovation, reducing burdens, and delivering better outcomes for people and businesses across the UK.

techUK commented

techUK welcomes the passage of the Data (Use and Access) Act, which will make the UK's data protection framework more innovation-friendly, while maintaining strong data protection standards.

The tech sector has eagerly been anticipating this moment. The legislation provides much-needed clarity for businesses and creates the conditions for greater economic growth.

As the government continues with its mission to improve public service delivery, the Act lays the groundwork for smarter, more efficient data sharing across the health and social care sectors - helping to reduce administrative burdens and simplify procedures.

techUK looks forward to continuing to work with government and regulators to ensure its successful implementation.

- Antony Walker

Audre Verseckaite

Senior Policy Manager, Data & AI, techUK

Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.

Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.techUK.org,https://www.techUK.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audre-v-81b2b0a2/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/audre-v-81b2b0a2/

Read lessmore

techUK's Policy and Public Affairs Programme activities

techUK helps our members understand, engage and influence the development of digital and tech policy in the UK and beyond. We support our members to understand some of the most complex and thorny policy questions that confront our sector. Visit the programme page here.

techUK Report - Evolving Digital Regulation for Growth and Innovation

techUK is excited to announce its Pro-Growth Regulation Report, "Evolving Digital Regulation for Growth and Innovation

Find out more

Upcoming events

27 June 2025

techUK Webinar: Debrief on the Spending Review & Next Steps for the UK Industrial Strategy

Online Webinar
7 July 2025

Female Entrepreneurship: The Case for the Tech Sector

Roundtable
16 June 2025

London EdTech Week 2025: Startup Mini Summit

London Conference

Latest news and insights

11 Jun 2025

Spending Review 2025: What's in it for tech?

09 Jun 2025

tech2035 opinion - Any successful policy moment must recognise the role that women play in the economy

04 Jun 2025

tech2035 opinion - Industrial Strategy…or Investment Strategy?

Learn more and get involved

Policy Pulse Newsletter

Sign-up to get the latest tech policy news and how you can get involved in techUK's policy work.

Here are the five reasons to join the Policy and Public Affairs programme

Download

Join techUK groups

techUK members can get involved in our work by joining our groups, and stay up to date with the latest meetings and opportunities in the programme.

Learn more

Become a techUK member

Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.

Learn more

Meet the team

Antony Walker

Deputy CEO, techUK

×
Antony Walker Deputy CEO, techUK Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013. Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK's policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK's independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK's world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University. Email: [email protected] Phone: 07780603065 Twitter: @techUKdepCEO Website: https://www.techuk.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonywalker/

Alice Campbell

Head of Public Affairs, techUK

×

Alice Campbell

Head of Public Affairs, techUK

As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK's strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK's parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK's work advocating for the role of technology in the UK's economy as well as wider society.

Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.

Email: [email protected]

Edward Emerson

Head of Digital Economy, techUK

×
Edward Emerson Head of Digital Economy, techUK Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives. He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-emerson-009189183

Samiah Anderson

Head of Digital Regulation, techUK

×
Samiah Anderson Head of Digital Regulation, techUK Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK. With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians. Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more. She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.techuk.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiahnanderson/

Audre Verseckaite

Senior Policy Manager, Data & AI, techUK

×
Audre Verseckaite Senior Policy Manager, Data & AI, techUK Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy. Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.techUK.org,https://www.techUK.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audre-v-81b2b0a2/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/audre-v-81b2b0a2/

Mia Haffety

Policy Manager - Digital Economy, techUK

×
Mia Haffety Policy Manager - Digital Economy, techUK Mia joined techUK in September 2023. Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries. Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit. Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miahaffety/

Archie Breare

Policy Manager - Skills & Digital Economy, techUK

×

Archie Breare

Policy Manager - Skills & Digital Economy, techUK

Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.

Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.

In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.

Email: [email protected]LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/archie-breare-512346230

Daniella Bennett Remington

Policy Manager - Digital Regulation, techUK

×
Daniella Bennett Remington Policy Manager - Digital Regulation, techUK Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team. Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators. She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge. Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @danibenrem LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniella-bennett-remington/

Oliver Alderson

Junior Policy Manager, techUK

×
Oliver Alderson Junior Policy Manager, techUK Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation's engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK's regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events. He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector's voice is heard in the policymaking process. Oliver holds a Master's in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network. Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions. Email: [email protected] Phone: 07505 890 596 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oliver-alderson-a51312180

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK

×
Tess Newton Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content. Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the Local and General Election and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. As well as working for multiple charities on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from University of Nottingham. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.techUK.org

Related topics

Innovation

Authors

Audre Verseckaite

Senior Policy Manager - Data, techUK

Email: [email protected]

Read lessmore

Return to listing
techUK Ltd. published this content on June 13, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 13, 2025 at 14:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io