Even under the current regime, several experts consider the ICO's enforcement activities as weak. At the same time, the Bill appears to further undermine, not merely the effectiveness, but beyond that the independence of the ICO. In particular, there is a risk that the Commissioner will have a duty to consider factors outside its primary expertise when balancing between the protection of personal data and other interests such as the UK economy, public safety or the international agenda of the UK Government prior to exercising their powers, or, having to follow priorities set by the Secretary of State.
Three "most controversial" issues with UK data protection reforms, as identified by the EU Parliament's LIBE Committee:
● changes to the definition of personal data
● the role of the UK Information Commissioner
● onward transfers of personal data
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