The UK Parliament’s House of Lords concluded report stage scrutiny of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, agreeing further amendments after divisions. The changes adopted at the final day of report stage include requirements for assessment reports on the data commissioner’s performance and the creation of a ‘data dictionary’ to ensure consistent definitions of personal attributes. During report stage on 21 January, peers also agreed amendments covering accuracy obligations for public authorities such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and HM Revenue and Customs, regulation of digital verification, and an offence for the false use of digital identity documents. Additional agreed changes included revisions to the list of public bodies that must reliably ascertain the personal data attributes they collect, guidance on cyber-security measures before stakeholders may receive information from the National Underground Asset Register, and limiting the scientific research exception for data reuse to cases in the public interest; proposals to require the digital verification service trust framework to be laid before Parliament and to add specified safeguards for AI used in automated decision-making were voted down. Third reading is scheduled for 5 February.
UK Parliament 2025-01-29
UK Parliament House of Lords agrees report stage amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill including data commissioner performance reporting and a new data dictionary
The UK House of Lords concluded the report stage of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, adopting amendments for assessment reports on the data commissioner's performance and a 'data dictionary' for consistent definitions. Additional amendments include accuracy obligations for public authorities, regulation of digital verification, and limitations on the scientific research exception for data reuse. Proposals for additional AI safeguards and a digital verification service trust framework were rejected.