DCMS call for views and evidence: Review of Representative Action Provisions, Section 189 Data Protection Act 2018 - Which? response

Introduction to call for evidence:

• States that the government is committed to ensuring the UK is the ‘best place to start and grow digital business, trial new technology and undertake advanced research’.
• Recognises that ‘individuals need to have confidence in the way that organisations are using their data and that there are rules in place to protect their rights if something goes wrong’.
• The focus of the review is the current representative action provisions that are supposed to help individuals who may not have the capabilities or resources to exercise their rights effectively on their own.
• DCMA is seeking to hear how the implemented provisions are working in practice. It would like to hear about the impact from data subjects, (particularly the impact it has had on children) and non-profit organisations. As well as businesses that may have been subject to complaints or have seen an increase in ‘spurious complaints’.
• There will also be a consultation with the ICO and the judiciary.

Which? responds in its capacity as a third sector organisation, (e.g. charity)