The new Data Protection and Digital Information Bill had its second reading just before Christmas.

The Bill contains provisions to reform the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). It would also enable the creation of 'data bridges' with other countries, enable law enforcement to hold biometric data from other countries for longer, create an electronic register of births and deaths, and allow Ofcom to require social media companies to retain information in connection with an investigation by a coroner into the death of a child who was suspected to have died by suicide.

The Bill will also update the provisions of the current Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) to increase fines for nuisance calls as well as reduce 'user consent' pop-ups and banners.

CSRB will be monitoring the progress of the Bill, to enable us to understand how it will impact the certified advice we provide and the potential impact that it will have on our clients and connections.