UK’s Data Deal with EU at Risk as New Law Sparks Industry Debate
The recently passed Data (Use & Access) Act 2025 has hit a nerve across industries, with concerns mounting over its impact on UK businesses and their vital data flows with the EU. While the Government insists the new law will simplify compliance and boost innovation, critics – including the Law Society of England & Wales and privacy campaigners argue that it threatens the UK’s data adequacy status with Brussels. The EU has extended the current adequacy agreement by six months to December 27, 2025, but a formal review is underway. If adequacy is withdrawn, it could jeopardise the free flow of personal data, putting £161bn in trade at risk and creating barriers for UK companies operating internationally. Tensions are rising. [...]