United Kingdom: Announced Digital Information and Smart Data Bill including data protection authority governance

On 17 July 2024, the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill was announced in the King's Speech. The Government explained that the Bill would, among other things, include reformations of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Specifically, it was announced that the ICO would be modernised and strengthened. The ICO would be transformed into a more contemporary regulatory structure, with a CEO, board, and chair, and would be granted new, stronger powers. This would be accompanied by targeted reforms to certain data laws to maintain high standards of protection while addressing current ambiguities to ensure the safe development and deployment of some new technologies. The Government also declared that it would promote standards for digital identities, focusing on privacy, security, and inclusion.