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ARTICLE · 16 JULY 2019

Not Just Any Data, This Is Smart Data – UK Government Consultation

Reed Smith (Worldwide)
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Earlier this month, the UK government launched its Smart Data Consultation (Consultation). The Consultation follows the publication of the terms of reference

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Cynthia O'Donoghue
Cynthia O'Donoghue
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Earlier this month, the UK government launched its Smart Data Consultation (Consultation). The Consultation follows the publication of the terms of reference which launched the smart data review late last year, and seeks input on proposals to:

  • enable data-driven innovation in consumer markets;
  • use data and technology to help vulnerable consumers; and
  • ensure consumers and their data are protected.

What is smart data?

Smart Data is an extension of the right to data portability which individuals have under the General Data Protection Regulation. The crux of what makes consumer data 'smart data' is that it can be easily and securely transmitted from one third party service provider to another, so that the data can be used to provide innovative services to consumers. The Consultation envisages that smart data will:

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