The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that John Edwards is its preferred candidate as the new information commissioner.
He is currently New Zealand’s privacy commissioner, having been in the role since 2014, and has been a lawyer for more than 20 years with a speciality in information law.
He has also held a number of independent statutory appointments, including as watchdog for people in compulsory mental health care and intellectual disability services.
Edwards would succeed the current commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, subject to approval by Parliament’s DCMS select committee and the Queen.
Denham said: “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. We stand ready to provide our expert advice and insight as part of any future government consultation.
“Implementing any changes Parliament decides on will fall to my successor, who will take on a role that has never been more important or more relevant to people’s lives. John Edwards would bring extraordinary breadth, international leadership and credibility to this role.
“He will receive the support of a modern, independent ICO that has the courage, resources and expertise to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Data flow council
DCMS has also announced the launch of an International Data Transfers Expert Council as a subgroup of the National Data Strategy Forum to support work on strategic data partnerships with key economies and on efforts to ensure the international flow of data.
It said it will consist of 15 people from academia, industry and civil society, and has put out a call for “the brightest and best minds” from across the world to join.
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden has also indicated that the Government is looking to develop new data adequacy partnerships with other countries. This follows the recent confirmation of the UK's deal with the EU and means organisations do not have to implement costly compliance measures to share personal data internationally.
It has a relevance has a relevance for data sharing in law enforcement and the use of cloud services.
Dowden said the adequacy arrangements the UK already has in place with international partners including New Zealand, Japan and Canada, as well the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. He indicated the Government is looking at potential partnerships with fast growing economies such as Kenya, India, Brazil and Indonesia.
He added that there could be future changes to the UK’s data protection regime to promote innovation. The Government plans to launch a consultation on the issue soon.
Image from iStock, EtiAmmos
