Security News > 2022 > January > John Edwards takes the reins at the UK's data protection watchdog

The Information Commissioner's Office has confirmed that former New Zealand privacy commissioner John Edwards has started his new role as the UK's Information Commissioner.

While legal experts have warned of the dangers of the UK straying too far from the EU's General Data Protection Directive - or risking the adequacy decision which currently allows data sharing between the UK and the EU to support business as usual - his message is don't stop believing.

According to a pre-canned quote announcing his official arrival, he sees his role as working "With those to whom we entrust our data so they are able to respect our privacy with ease whilst still reaping the benefits of data-driven innovation," a line very much in step with the government's desire to "Create a more pro-growth and pro-innovation data regime."

The government's consultation on its new proposals for new data protection laws has also provoked alarm among data privacy and ethics campaigners based on its proposals to remove individual's rights to challenge decisions made about them by AI. The chorus of disapproval was joined by UK's National Data Guardian, who oversees how health data can be used in the UK, who expressed "Significant concerns" about the proposals.

Edwards succeeds Elizabeth Denham CBE, whose term as UK Information Commissioner ended last year.

Edwards was unable to quash the, erm, rumours that the ICO's independence was under threat, but did say: "Privacy is a right, not a privilege. In a world where our personal data can drive everything from the healthcare we receive to the job opportunities we see, we all deserve to have our data treated with respect."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/01/04/edwards_ico/