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ARTICLE · 16 OCTOBER 2026

Has Data Protection Compliance Become A Little Easier?

DMH Stallard LLP
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GDPR has significantly impacted businesses across the UK and EU. Recognising scope for improvement, the UK government enacted the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) last summer to reduce administrative burdens and encourage economic growth. The EU is now looking at similar reforms.

United KingdomPrivacy
Jay Barnett
Jay Barnett
John Yates
John Yates

GDPR has significantly impacted businesses across the UK and EU. Recognising scope for improvement, the UK government enacted the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) last summer to reduce administrative burdens and encourage economic growth. The EU is now looking at similar reforms.

The DUAA is being phased in over a year, with the most recent changes coming into force last month. This article walks you through three changes that may simplify your day-to-day compliance, and provides a heads-up on the new complaints’ regime arriving this summer.

Easier justification for certain data uses

Some good news: certain types of data processing now require less paperwork. 

Previously, if you wanted to use customer or employee data for specific purposes, you needed to document a detailed ‘balancing test’ weighing the impact on individuals against the benefits of processing. That requirement has been removed for particular activities, including where processing is for:

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