Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

On February 7, 2012, the UK Ministry of Justice launched its Call for Evidence on the European Commission’s proposed general data protection regulation and criminal justice data protection directive (the “Proposals”). The Ministry is looking to gain perspective and solicit feedback on how the Proposals likely would impact organizations and individuals in the UK.

As we previously reported, on January 25, 2012, the European Commission released its comprehensive data protection law reform package containing the Proposals, which have now entered the EU’s legislative procedure and are not expected to be finalized for approximately two years.

Senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Justice, Ollie Simpson, reviewed key aspects of the Proposals at a seminar, “New EU Data Protection Framework: What’s Next?,” hosted by the London office of Hunton & Williams. Simpson outlined the Call for Evidence which the Ministry will use to inform the UK government’s formal negotiating position on the Proposals. With this Call for Evidence, the Ministry of Justice seeks to understand which provisions of the Proposals cause the most concern to UK businesses, including specific examples of what compliance would mean in practical terms and the likely monetary costs or benefits.

Responses to the Proposals may be submitted directly to the Ministry of Justice. Alternatively, Hunton & Williams is preparing a response to the Proposals on behalf of clients. Organizations wishing to take part in this process are invited to attend a workshop at the London office of Hunton & Williams on February 28, 2012. For further details, please visit our website, or contact Bridget Treacy or Rosemary Jay.