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UK Data Protection Framework

Overview​

Following Brexit, the United Kingdom maintains a data protection regime that closely mirrors the EU GDPR while incorporating UK-specific provisions through the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018). This framework ensures continued data flows between the UK and EU through adequacy arrangements.

Legislative Framework​

UK GDPR​

The UK GDPR is the retained EU Regulation 2016/679 as it forms part of UK law, with modifications to reflect the UK's independent status:

  • Territorial scope adjusted for UK
  • References to EU institutions replaced with UK equivalents
  • UK-specific derogations and exemptions
  • Independent enforcement mechanisms

Data Protection Act 2018​

Supplements and modifies the UK GDPR:

  • Implements lawful basis for processing
  • Defines UK-specific exemptions
  • Sets age of consent for children (13 years)
  • Establishes ICO powers and procedures
  • Covers law enforcement processing (Part 3)
  • Intelligence services processing (Part 4)

Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)​

  • Cookie consent requirements
  • Direct marketing rules
  • Security breach notifications
  • Traffic and location data

🌍� Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)​

Role and Powers​

  • Independent supervisory authority
  • Enforcement and investigation powers
  • Guidance and code development
  • Certification and approval schemes
  • International cooperation

ICO Accountability Framework​

  • Data Protection Officer requirements
  • Documentation obligations
  • Risk assessment procedures
  • Governance structures
  • Training and awareness

Regulatory Priorities​

  • Children's privacy (Age Appropriate Design Code)
  • AI and machine learning
  • AdTech and real-time bidding
  • International data transfers
  • Biometric technologies

🌍

International Data Transfers

EU Adequacy Decision​

  • Granted June 28, 2021
  • Four-year sunset clause
  • Subject to review and monitoring
  • Covers personal data only (not law enforcement)

UK Adequacy Assessments​

The UK has granted adequacy to:

  • EEA countries
  • Gibraltar
  • Jurisdictions deemed adequate by the EU
  • Additional UK-specific assessments pending

Transfer Mechanisms​

International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA):

  • UK's replacement for EU SCCs
  • Mandatory from March 21, 2024
  • Risk assessment requirements
  • Supplementary measures where needed

UK Addendum to EU SCCs:

  • Allows continued use of EU SCCs
  • Additional UK-specific provisions
  • Simpler for multi-jurisdictional transfers
  • Same risk assessment requirements

Binding Corporate Rules:

  • UK-specific approval process
  • ICO authorization required
  • Mutual recognition with EU BCRs limited
  • Comprehensive documentation needed

👶 Children's Privacy​

Age Appropriate Design Code (Children's Code)​

15 standards for online services likely to be accessed by children:

  1. Best interests of the child: Primary consideration
  2. Data protection impact assessments: Child-specific risks
  3. Age appropriate application: Age ranges and needs
  4. Transparency: Age-appropriate privacy information
  5. Detrimental use of data: Prohibition on harmful processing
  6. Policies and standards: Published and accessible
  7. Default settings: High privacy by default
  8. Data minimization: Minimum necessary data
  9. Data sharing: Restricted unless compelling reason
  10. Geolocation: Off by default
  11. Parental controls: Age-appropriate implementation
  12. Profiling: Off by default
  13. Nudge techniques: Not used to erode privacy
  14. Connected toys: Additional safeguards
  15. Online tools: Privacy-supportive tools

Age Verification​

  • Age estimation or verification required
  • Proportionate to risks and data sensitivity
  • Privacy-preserving methods preferred
  • Regular effectiveness reviews

🌍� Healthcare Sector Specifics​

NHS Data Processing​

  • NHS Digital governance framework
  • Care Quality Commission oversight
  • NHS number as unique identifier
  • Secondary use restrictions
  • Patient opt-out mechanisms

Medical Research​

  • Health Research Authority approval
  • Research Ethics Committee review
  • Confidentiality Advisory Group applications
  • Public benefit requirements
  • Transparency obligations

Digital Health​

  • NHS Apps Library standards
  • Digital Technology Assessment Criteria
  • Clinical safety standards (DCB0129/DCB0160)
  • Interoperability requirements
  • Information governance toolkit

= Security Requirements​

Cyber Essentials​

  • Government-backed certification
  • Basic cyber hygiene standards
  • Mandatory for certain contracts
  • Annual renewal required

Network and Information Systems (NIS)​

  • Critical infrastructure protection
  • Healthcare as essential service
  • Incident reporting requirements
  • Security measures obligations

ISO Standards Alignment​

  • ISO 27001 certification
  • ISO 27701 privacy extension
  • NHS adoption requirements
  • Audit and compliance processes

=� UK-Specific Rights and Exemptions​

Enhanced Rights​

  • Immigration exemption limitations
  • National security provisions
  • Law enforcement processing
  • Journalism and academic expression
  • Legal professional privilege

Restricted Rights Scenarios​

  • Crime and taxation exemption
  • Regulatory functions
  • Judicial appointments and honors
  • Negotiations
  • Confidential references

Healthcare Exemptions​

  • Health data appropriate policy document
  • Serious harm test for access
  • Social work functions
  • Education and child protection
  • Emergency medical treatment

=� Enforcement and Penalties​

Maximum Fines​

  • Higher maximum: �17.5 million or 4% global turnover
  • Standard maximum: �8.75 million or 2% global turnover
  • Factors: gravity, duration, intentionality, mitigation

ICO Enforcement Actions​

  • Information notices
  • Assessment notices
  • Enforcement notices
  • Penalty notices
  • Urgent enforcement
  • Criminal prosecution powers

Appeals Process​

  • First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights)
  • Upper Tribunal
  • Court of Appeal
  • Supreme Court

=� Accountability and Governance​

Required Documentation​

  • Records of processing activities (RoPA)
  • Privacy notices and policies
  • Lawful basis assessments
  • Legitimate interests assessments
  • Data protection impact assessments
  • Breach records and notifications
  • Training records
  • Supplier due diligence

Data Protection Officer​

Mandatory Appointment:

  • Public authorities
  • Large scale special category processing
  • Large scale systematic monitoring

DPO Requirements:

  • Expert knowledge demonstrated
  • Independent position
  • Direct reporting to highest management
  • Adequate resources
  • No conflict of interest

= Brexit Transition Considerations​

Ongoing Developments​

  • Data Protection and Digital Information Bill
  • Potential divergence from EU standards
  • Innovation-friendly reforms proposed
  • Reduced compliance burden aims
  • International transfer simplification

Dual Compliance Challenges​

  • UK and EU GDPR alignment
  • Separate DPA appointments
  • Parallel breach notifications
  • Divergent guidance interpretation
  • Multiple supervisory authorities

=� Digital and Technology Focus​

Artificial Intelligence​

  • ICO AI auditing framework
  • Explainability requirements
  • Bias and discrimination prevention
  • Human review mechanisms
  • Transparency obligations

Cookies and Tracking​

  • PECR consent requirements
  • Cookie policy obligations
  • Consent management platforms
  • Analytics and advertising cookies
  • Session and persistent cookies

Data Sharing Initiatives​

  • Digital Economy Act provisions
  • Public sector data sharing
  • Research and statistics purposes
  • Fraud prevention networks
  • Credit reference agencies

=� Implementation Toolkit​

Compliance Checklist​

  • ICO registration completed
  • UK GDPR policies updated
  • IDTA/Addendum implemented
  • Children's Code compliance
  • UK representative appointed (if required)
  • ICO guidance integration
  • Brexit transition completed
  • Accountability framework established

Key Differences from EU GDPR​

  • Age of digital consent (13 vs 16)
  • Journalism exemption broader
  • Scientific research provisions
  • National security exemptions
  • Immigration control provisions
  • Different transfer mechanisms
  • ICO vs EDPB guidance
  • UK-specific certifications

Resources and Support​

ICO Resources:

  • ICO Website
  • SME Hub and toolkits
  • Sector-specific guidance
  • Self-assessment tools
  • Training materials

Healthcare Guidance:

  • NHS Digital IG Toolkit
  • NHSX standards and frameworks
  • Professional body guidance
  • Health Research Authority

Legal Resources:

  • UK Legislation website
  • Parliamentary updates
  • Case law databases
  • Professional associations

This guide is maintained by Healthcare Manufaktur's Legal & Compliance team. For UK-specific queries, contact: uk-compliance@healthcare-manufaktur.com

Last Updated: January 2025

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