Collection

Data Protection Act 2018

The Data Protection Act updates our data protection laws for the digital age. It received Royal Assent on 23 May 2018.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Home Office and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
• Published: 23 May 2018
• Last updated: 19 August 2020 — See all updates

Digital technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives in the twenty years since the last Data Protection Act was passed.

Our new Data Protection Act:

• makes our data protection laws fit for the digital age in which an ever increasing amount of data is being processed
• empowers people to take control of their data
• supports UK businesses and organisations through the change
• ensures that the UK is prepared for the future after we have left the EU

The text of the Data Protection Act and related documents can be found here on legislation.gov.uk. Historical documents relating to the passage of the Act can be found on the Parliament website.

Documents

• Data Protection Act: National Security Certificates
  • 19 August 2020
  • Guidance
• Data Protection Act 2018 Overview
  • 25 May 2018
  • Guidance
• Data Protection Act: General Processing
  • 25 May 2018
  • Guidance
• Data Protection Act: Law Enforcement Processing
  • 25 May 2018
  • Guidance
• Data Protection Act: Intelligence Services Processing
  • 25 May 2018
  • Guidance
• Data Protection Act: Information Commissioner and Enforcement
  • 25 May 2018
  • Guidance

Published 23 May 2018
Last updated 19 August 2020 + show all updates

1. 19 August 2020

   Added National Security Certificates guidance.

2. 23 May 2018

   First published.