Security News > 2021 > September > You can 'go your own way' over GDPR, says UK's new Information Commissioner

The incoming head of the UK's data watchdog has "Gone on the record" to say he will be fair and impartial in his dealings with tech companies despite once describing Facebook as "Morally bankrupt pathological liars."

Speaking on Thursday at a hearing of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee via video link from New Zealand, he was asked about his criticism of big tech companies.

Despite his own feelings, he made it clear that when he takes up the role as the UK's Information Commissioner he will be "Fair and impartial."

Aimed in particular at tech companies such as Facebook, YouTube and TikTok that are often used by children, it doesn't just apply to companies based on their jurisdiction.

"It's a really important question," said Edwards, "And I think at the core must be mutual respect. Europe is entitled to regulate for its citizens in the way that it deems most appropriate. And it has certain legal traditions which suggest that the GDPR approach best suits that legislative and regulatory environment."

For those who are simply left numb and befuddled by the whole subject of data protection, Edwards had this to say: "What I really want to do is make privacy easy. And I think I can translate that to the UK. I want to make data protection easy - easy for industry to implement at low cost, easy for consumers to exercise privacy-friendly choices in their marketplace, and easy for people to access remedies when things go wrong." .

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/09/13/new_uk_ico_promises_to/