Navigating the Data (Use and Access) Act

The Data (Use and Access) Act marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s data protection and digital regulation landscape, reshaping how businesses and individuals manage data. Its aim is to drive innovation and support economic growth.

The act introduces targeted reforms to existing data protection legislation intended to streamline compliance obligations for businesses, clarify lawful personal data use, and improve confidence when deploying data driven technologies. It also reinforces core principles around transparency, accountability and individuals’ rights.

In addition the act introduces a range of new digitalisation measures, including smart data schemes, digital verification services, a new national underground asset register and an electronic system for registering births and deaths. These are all significant developments for the UK, improving data quality and access, and facilitating responsible data-sharing.

The act creates new opportunities for businesses and makes practical updates to existing legislation which businesses need to understand and adapt to.

Our spotlight hub provides insights on the legislation produced by our expert team of data protection lawyers.

Watch our introductory webinar

Once the act received Royal Assent, we hosted a webinar to explore the key reforms that are being introduced and explain what they mean in practice for UK organisations. The session highlights the most significant updates, including changes to lawful bases, subject access requests, cookies and electronic marketing, as well as the new approach to international data transfers.

The recording offers a clear, practical overview of the reforms and how they reshape compliance responsibilities for businesses. Watch the webinar to gain expert insight into the updates, understand their real‑world impact and identify the steps you should be taking to prepare.

Watch the recording