The UK’s Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 is Here—And It’s a Game-Changer 🇬🇧
After receiving Royal Assent in June 2025, the Data (Use and Access) Act represents a significant reform aimed at spurring innovation by freeing up data flow while reducing compliance burdens OrrickInformation Commissioner’s Office. This isn’t just tweaking regulations—it’s fundamentally reshaping how the UK harnesses data for growth.
What’s Inside?
🔹 Smart Data Framework: Building on Open Banking’s success, the Act extends data-sharing regimes to other sectors, empowering consumers and enabling seamless switching between services Orrick
🔹 Digital Verification Services: Creating a government-backed trust framework for secure digital identity verification
🔹 National Underground Asset Register: A digital map providing secure access to underground infrastructure data from 600+ owners, aiming to prevent costly strikes to buried assets Arnold & Porter
🔹 Modernised Public Records: Digitising birth and death registers for the first time, eliminating paper-based inefficiency
🔹 Privacy Reforms That Work: Introducing “recognised legitimate interests” for processing data and clarifying that only reasonable and proportionate searches are required for subject access requests Information Commissioner’s Office
Why This Matters:
The Act is being phased in through June 2026, giving organisations time to adapt. Most changes offer opportunities to innovate differently rather than mandating immediate compliance overhauls Information Commissioner’s Office. For businesses, this means streamlined cookie rules, clearer automated decision-making guidelines, and more flexible international data transfer mechanisms.
The UK is betting big on data as an economic driver while maintaining strong protections. For organisations operating in the UK, now’s the time to review your data governance frameworks and explore how these reforms can unlock new opportunities.
What’s your take? Are we striking the right balance between innovation and protection?
