United Kingdom: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology opened inquiry on nexus between data brokers and national security risks

On 17 March 2025, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced an inquiry into data brokers and their impact on national security until 12 May 2025. The inquiry focuses on four areas, including defining data brokers and their services, assessing national security risks from hostile actors, evaluating the effectiveness of security and regulatory frameworks, and understanding the customer base and transparency within the industry. The inquiry aims to understand the activities, risks, and regulatory frameworks of data brokers who trade data to third parties. The inquiry highlights a concern that potential national security risks could arise from hostile actors acquiring data through these brokers, which could be used for surveillance, developing strategic technologies, or fraud.