TIGRR says we could see an end to GDPR

Regulatory reforms in a post-Brexit UK could mean big changes

EU data protection laws commonly known as GDPR could be completely reformed by new UK common-law legislation. This change has been suggested by a task force that is part of a post-Brexit framework currently in the planning phases.

The task force on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform or TIGRR, lead by conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, has publicly stated that the exit from the EU ‘creates a one-off opportunity to set a bold new UK regulatory framework, based on a set of principles embedded in UK common law”.

The suggested reforms include changes to the regulation in the tech and science fields in order to encourage innovation in areas such as spaceflight, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Measures would be based around a ‘proportionality principle’ replacing the EU’s ‘precautionary approach’ which the task force suggested stifles innovation and advancement.

TIGRR’s findings paint a poor picture of the state of regulatory law in the UK, noting the ‘restrictive nature of today’s regulatory environment’ and the ‘Napoleonic, code-based, civil law approach’. English common law and Scots law system would allow for simpler rules on compliance matter.

Encouraging growth in the digital economy is currently more difficult under the current ‘UK GDPR’ suggests TIGRR and their suggested more proportionality based framework would allow the digital market to thrive. Emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain databases would be easier to integrate into existing business under a common law approach. It’s also suggested that anti-money laundering burdens be reduced for the benefit of new open banking and fintech services.

 

The group has also proposed regulatory reform on the licensing regime for cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, giving more authority to the Civil Aviation Authority in regards to regulating drone usage and various other wide reaching reforms.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written a letter to the Taskforce, thanking them for their work.

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