United Kingdom: Implemented Data Protection (Adequacy) ROK Regulations 2022 removing barriers to data transfers

On 19 December 2022, the UK implemented the Data Protection (Adequacy) (Republic of Korea) Regulations 2022, which allows businesses and organisations to transfer personal data securely to the Republic of Korea without restrictions. The new legislation removes existing barriers to cross-border data transfers such as contractual safeguards and standard data protection clauses. This followed an assessment of the Republic of Korea's personal data protection regulation after the UK and South Korea agreed in-principle to a data adequacy agreement on 5 July 2022.