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Data Protection Day - Lewis Silkin Data, Privacy & Cyber Team Watch Outs for 2025!

28 January, 2025
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4 min read

To celebrate Data Protection Day 2025, or Data Privacy Day 2025 for those across the pond, we've selected ten key themes in the data, privacy and cyber space we think will have the most impact for our clients in the year ahead. Read more from our experts here.

For those short on time the tl;dr is:

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Rapid advancements in global regulation, including the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan, President Trump's new Executive Order and the coming into effect of certain provisions of the EU AI Act.
    • Emphasis needs to be on ensuring AI governance is fit for purpose.
    • Let us know if we can help you with our AI assurance or AI audit services.
  2. Data Reform in the UK
    • Third time lucky with the Data (Use and Access) Bill? 
    • Aim of the Bill is to simplify data protection requirements while maintaining EU adequacy status.
    • Join us at our next In House Data Club if you'd like to explore the Bill in detail.
  3. International Data Transfers
    • Ongoing challenges despite the EU-US Data Privacy Framework.
    • Schrems focus has shifted to data transfers to China.
    •  Renewal of EU's adequacy decision for the UK due in June 2025.
  4. Ad Tech and Online Tracking Technologies
    • Continued regulatory focus on online tracking.
    • New ICO online tracking strategy and draft guidance, including on pay or consent models and draft guidance on storage and access technologies (cookies).
    •  Also an area of interest in the EU with the EDPB's Opinion on pay or ok models and the publishing of tracking  technology guidance.
  5. Online Tech Regulation
    • Implementation of the UK's Online Safety Act and the EU's Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act will keep those in scope busy.
    • Highlights the importance of compliance by design, transparency, and ethical practices.
  6. Children's Data
    • Enforcement of the Children's Code and the Online Safety Act in the UK expected this year.
    • Changes to COPPA in the US and the EU's DSA provisions show this is an area of global regulatory focus.
  7. Cyber Security
    • 2024 was a record year for ransomware payments so cyber security remains a top concern.
    • UK consulting on potential ban on ransomware payments and a mandatory incident reporting regime.
    • Starting to feel the impact of the EU's cybersecurity strategy.
    • Awaiting the UK's Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
  8. Workplace Privacy
    • AI in the workplace is under scrutiny with DSIT and ICO guidance already available.
    • ICO guidance on biometric recognition due to the uptake of this technology.
    • Data (Use and Access) Bill - key proposals in this area are changes to Subject Access Rights and automated decision-making.
    • Consider signing up to the quarterly Workplace Privacy Update we produce in conjunction with Ius Laboris. 
  9. Litigation
    • Rise in data litigation beyond data breaches, covering more elements of the GDPR including international data transfers and targeted online advertising.
    • Increased risk of claims related to AI misuse.
    • Important to step up governance efforts when using personal data with AI systems.
  10. Anonymisation
    • Can data ever be truly anonymised?
    • This is a complex and evolving area.
    • EDPB guidelines on pseudonymisation have been published but we await the ICO guidance.

As ever 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year with lots of interesting developments so do keep an eye on our blog

You can also sign up for our In-House Data Club webinars, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, register your interest in receiving the next edition of our Data, Privacy and Cyber horizon scanner or express an interest in attending our Data Academy or AI Academy by contacting our wonderful events  team. For any legal advice or training needs, please do get in touch with your usual Lewis Silkin contact.

 

Data Protection Day - Lewis Silkin Data, Privacy & Cyber Team Watch Outs for 2025!