The Data Use and Access Bill is back in Parliament on Wednesday May 7. This Bill undermines our data protection rights and gives more power to government departments and corporations.
But some MPs have tabled amendments that will improve the Bill - and your MP has the opportunity to vote for these amendments and protect your digital rights.
1. Supporting vulnerable people
The Information Commissioner’s Office currently faces a serious backlog in handling complaints from the public. This affects everyone, but especially vulnerable individuals, such as survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence who often face heightened risks from online stalking and other forms of digital harm.
Siân Berry MP is proposing an amendment to introduce a statutory complaints procedure for people in vulnerable situations, along with a right of appeal to the Information Tribunal. This would give those most at risk a clearer, fairer route to justice.
2. Protecting data from unsafe overseas transfers
The Bill also makes it easier for personal data to be transferred outside the UK — including to countries that lack strong data protection laws. Once data is moved abroad, it can be accessed or misused in ways that would be illegal in the UK.
For vulnerable groups — such as refugees, survivors of abuse, and people facing persecution — this poses serious risks. A single data breach overseas could have life-altering consequences.
Labour's Alex Sobel MP has proposed an amendment that would protect our data from unsafe overseas transfers. It would help ensure that UK citizens’ data is not exposed to harmful misuse abroad.
3. Creating the right to non-digital ID verification
The Bill establishes a framework for digital ID verification services. But for some, for example older people, this can be a barrier to services. Liberal Democrat Steff Aquaone MP has proposed an amendment that creates a right to use non-digital forms of ID, improving accessibility and digital inclusion.
You can support these MPs' efforts to fight for our digital rights by contacting your own MP and asking them to back these amendments to the Bill.
