Introduction

If you're a UK-based business or an international company with customers in the United Kingdom, you know that data privacy is a top priority. While the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets a global standard, it's crucial to understand how it works in tandem with the UK's own specific legislation: the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).

Think of them as two sides of the same coin. The GDPR provides the "what"—the core principles and rights—while the DPA 2018 provides the "how," applying those principles within the context of UK law. For a small business, understanding the relationship between these two laws is the key to maintaining compliance, avoiding significant fines from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and building trust with your UK customer base.

What is the Data Protection Act 2018?

The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK's implementation of the GDPR. After Brexit, the UK incorporated the full text of the GDPR into its own domestic law, creating what is now known as the "UK GDPR." The DPA 2018 fills in the gaps, setting out specific rules for data processing that are unique to the UK, such as processing for law enforcement or intelligence purposes.

For your business, the key takeaway is this: If you are compliant with the EU GDPR, you are already well on your way to being compliant with the UK GDPR and the DPA 2018. The core principles are identical.

The 7 Core Principles You MUST Follow

Both the UK GDPR and the DPA 2018 are built on seven key principles. Your handling of any personal data must be:

1. Lawful, fair, and transparent: Be open about what data you're collecting and why.

   
   

2. Purpose limitation: Only collect data for a specific, explicit, and legitimate purpose.

   
   

3. Data minimisation: Don't collect more data than you absolutely need.

   
   

4. Accurate: Keep the personal data you hold accurate and up to date.

   
   

5. Storage limitation: Don't store data for longer than necessary.

   
   

6. Integrity and confidentiality (security): Protect the data from breaches and unauthorized access.

   
   

7. Accountability: You are responsible for demonstrating your compliance with all these principles.