The Government has unveiled plans for data partnerships with the US, Australia, and the Republic of Korea.

These partnerships will make it easier for UK organisations to exchange data with foreign countries by unlocking data flows and minimising unjustified barriers or conditions according to the government.

The move will build on data partnerships the UK already has in place with New Zealand, Japan, and Canada.

The Gov also said that deals with India, Brazil, Kenya, and Indonesia are being prioritised.
As much as £11 billion worth of trade goes unrealised around the world due to barriers associated with data transfers according to statistics cited by the Gov.

New Zealand privacy commissioner John Edwards has also been announced as the preferred candidate to be the UK’s next information commissioner.

The news comes after digital secretary Oliver Dowden said that GDPR involved “needless bureaucracy” and that the UK should look to protect privacy “in as light a touch way as possible” in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

“Now that we have left the EU I’m determined to seize the opportunity by developing a world-leading data policy that will deliver a Brexit dividend for individuals and businesses across the UK,” said digital secretary Oliver Dowden. “That means seeking exciting new international data partnerships with some of the world’s fastest growing economies, for the benefit of British firms and British customers alike.”

He added: “It means reforming our own data laws so that they’re based on common sense, not box-ticking. And it means having the leadership in place at the Information Commissioner’s Office to pursue a new era of data-driven growth and innovation.

“John Edwards’s vast experience makes him the ideal candidate to ensure data is used responsibly to achieve those goals.”

Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham commented on the move: “Data-driven innovation stands to bring enormous benefits to the UK economy and to our society, but the digital opportunity before us today will only be realised where people continue to trust their data will be used fairly and transparently, both here in the UK and when shared overseas.

“My office has supported valuable innovation while encouraging public trust in data use, particularly during the pandemic.”

She added: “We stand ready to provide our expert advice and insight as part of any future Government consultation.”

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