UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement: data explainer (web version)
Published 16 December 2021
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International data flows are essential for supporting the modern lives we lead. The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement ensures that data can flow freely between our 2 countries while guaranteeing that the same data protection standards we enjoy in the UK are upheld.
The deal recognises the central importance of digital trade to growth across all sectors of the economy. The deal not only supports and protects online shoppers, it will also help UK businesses to trade with Australia in modern services such as finance, creative industries, architecture, law, and professional services which make up 80% of the UK economy.
Supporting UK businesses and consumers
The deal enables the free flow of trusted data between the UK and Australia so that trade can flourish between our 2 countries without unjustified barriers. This is necessary for UK businesses to provide modern services while helping to ensure that data can be processed, and transferred between the two countries, without facing unnecessary red tape.
The deal also guarantees that UK businesses will avoid the unnecessary cost of setting up servers and storing data in Australia, by removing unjustified data localisation requirements. UK businesses operating in Australia will be able to plan their business growth knowing that they can collect, process, and transfer data between the 2 countries. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and scale-ups will benefit as they are often most affected by complex and costly data requirements.
Protecting your personal data
The deal safeguards the UK’s high standards on personal data protection and locks in a requirement for personal data to be protected in both countries. The deal ensures that both the UK and Australia maintain their domestic data protection regimes and draw on world-leading international principles and guidelines in their design.
Transfers of personal data to Australia must satisfy the UK’s data protection laws, providing confidence for consumers to shop online and benefit from international services. UK data protection rules will continue to apply. The deal also requires both the UK and Australia to publish information on the protections it provides and includes information on how citizens can take steps to enforce their personal data protection rights.
Supporting UK innovation
The free flow of trusted data underpinned by the deal can unlock new opportunities for UK businesses, enabling them to provide new and innovative services. In addition, the deal allows for public access to certain, anonymised government datasets. This creates opportunities for UK businesses and researchers to build and offer innovative products, such as real-time transport apps – helping citizens in towns and cities.