The first reading of the new Data Protection Bill took place in the House of Lords yesterday (13/09/17).
Originally announced in by the Queen in her June speech, the Data Protection Bill aims to align UK law with the soon to be implemented General Data Protection Regulation from the EU.
Replacing existing legislation on both data processing and corporate data, the Bill’s main focus – drawn from GDPR – aims to enhance the rights of citizens, introducing greater transparency.
As holders of large quantities of personal data, law firms have been urged take notice of the GDPR and begin preparations for its upcoming implementation, due to take place on the 28 May 2018.
Whilst the first reading has now taken place, this is simply a formality that signifies the start of the Bill’s journey through the House of Lords.
The general debate on the Bill itself will take place on the second reading, scheduled for 10 October.
