On 19 June 2025, the Data (Use and Access) Bill received Royal Assent, officially becoming the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. In particular, this landmark legislation is set to modernise the UK’s data governance.
By improving how data is shared and used across public services and businesses, it ensures greater efficiency. At the same time, the Act prioritises the protection of individual rights and establishes stronger data protection measures.
Consequently, it strikes a balance between innovation and safeguarding privacy, driving progress while maintaining security.
What Is the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025?
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 creates a robust framework targeting several critical areas:
Smart Data: The Act enables consumers and businesses to securely share data with authorised third parties. Thereby fostering better competition and driving innovation across industries.
Digital Identity: It establishes a trusted framework for digital verification services. Offering individuals secure methods to prove their identity online.
National Underground Asset Register (NUAR): The Act introduces a new statutory register designed to enhance the management and safety of underground infrastructure.
Data Protection and Privacy: The Act strengthens data protection laws by providing clear guidelines for automated decision-making and regulating international data transfers.
In summary, the Act addresses key areas to improve data security, promote innovation, and protect privacy
Key Benefits of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
Boosting Economic Growth
The introduction of Smart Data schemes is expected to inject £10 billion into the UK economy over the next decade.
This will be achieved through several key initiatives:
Facilitating Cost Savings: Consumers will enjoy easier comparisons and the ability to switch services. Such as energy providers, leading to cost savings.
Driving Innovation: Businesses will gain access to anonymised data, improving decision-making processes and encouraging new innovations.
By fostering a more competitive environment, the Act will contribute significantly to sustained economic growth.
Improving Public Services
The Act simplifies data sharing between public services, resulting in:
Improved Efficiency: Streamlined data sharing will eliminate duplication and ensure more efficient delivery of services. Benefiting both citizens and government agencies.
Quicker Response to Emergencies: By enabling real-time data sharing, government services can respond more effectively to public health emergencies and societal needs.
This enhanced coordination will ultimately improve responsiveness and accessibility within public services.
Strengthening Data Protection
The Act includes essential safeguards to ensure individuals’ data remains secure and protected:
Clear Data Processing Rules: The Act establishes transparent guidelines for data processing and sharing. Building public trust in how personal data is handled.
Improved Accountability: By strengthening enforcement, the legislation ensures organisations are held accountable for their data practices.
These measures will not only protect individuals’ privacy but also enable the UK to leverage data for innovation.
Safeguards and Oversight in the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
To maintain public trust, the Act incorporates several key safeguards:
Digital Identity Certification: Digital verification services must adhere to a government-established trust framework. Ensuring both security and privacy for users.
Regulatory Oversight: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will remain responsible for overseeing data protection practices as well as enhanced enforcement powers to ensure compliance.
Public Consultation and Impact Assessment: Ongoing public consultations and impact assessments will ensure that data use aligns with the interests and rights of the public, providing transparency and accountability.
By introducing these measures, the Act guarantees safeguards, benefiting everyone while ensuring that data practices are responsibly managed.
What Happens Next?
Following Royal Assent, the government will begin implementing the Act, which will include several crucial steps:
- Establishing the Digital Identity Trust Framework: This framework will ensure that online verification services comply with stringent security and privacy standards, safeguarding user information.
- Launching Smart Data Schemes: These schemes will be rolled out across various sectors, allowing businesses and consumers to securely access data and drive innovation.
- Creating the National Underground Asset Register: The register will play a vital role in managing and ensuring the safety of underground infrastructure, as well as promoting public safety and efficient data use.
Furthermore, the government will continue consulting with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
Conclusion
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 marks a significant step in modernising the UK’s data landscape. It balances innovation with strong protections, aiming to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and safeguard individual data privacy. Moreover, as the Act is implemented, it will create a more connected, efficient, and secure data environment for businesses, public services, and consumers alike.
At 360 Law Services, we understand the importance of staying informed about the latest legislative developments, such as the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. As a law firm committed to providing expert legal services to businesses and individuals, we recognise how such transformative changes in data governance will impact our clients.
Whether you need advice on data protection or assistance navigating the changes introduced by the Act, 360 Law Services is here to provide tailored legal solutions.