The Government assault on privacy

From expanded Police data powers to undermining the UK’s privacy regulator, the Government is rolling out a multifaceted attack on our hard won rights to privacy.

Of chief concern is the Government’s “Data: a new direction” proposal to overhaul the UK’s basic privacy laws. A wholesale rollback of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) spells the loss of countless protections that prevent data discrimination.

From workers and children to NHS patients and victims of domestic violence, GDPR protects us all. But if the Government has their way, our hard won rights to challenge data abuse will disappear.

A toothless regulator

The Government is also seeking to undermine the essential independence of the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). By installing a corporate shill who values business interests over individual rights, victims of data abuse will have no one to turn to.

Expanded Police data powers

The assault to privacy extends to law enforcement as well. Proposals to dramatically expand Police data powers with little accountability are being advanced via the Police and Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill as well as the National Fraud Initiative NFI). Neither includes privacy protections.

The global privacy race to the bottom

The Government’s rush to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) brings privacy threats from overseas. Other CPTPP member countries could use the agreement to force the UK into accepting low privacy standards. That would mean that when your personal data flows to those countries, it would be defenceless.

To fight back on all these fronts, we need you with us. Join Open Rights Group’s (ORG) dedicated network of members and supporters today.