The King’s Speech delivered on 17 July 2024 set out two new bills with implications for the technology sector, one of which being the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill (DISDB). I summarise some of DISDB’s aims below.

• Three new innovative uses of data which individuals can voluntarily participate in:

1. Digital Verification Services to provide secure and efficient methods for individuals to verify their identity and share essential personal information online. This aims to facilitate the purchase of age-restricted products and tasks such as moving house and pre-employment checks. Digital Verification Services are distinct from digital ID cards, the latter serving as digital representation of an individual’s identity. Labour has ruled out the introduction of digital ID cards.
2. National Underground Asset Register in the form of a digital map consolidating information about underground pipes and cables and which will be accessible to planners and excavators conducting constructing and maintenance work. Standardised and instant access to data promises to increase efficiency and result in fewer disruptions.
3. Smart Data schemes to allow the secure and consented sharing of customer data with authorised third-party providers. It is hoped that empowering customers to share their data with sectors will encourage economic growth similar to that seen from open banking.

• Increased and improved digital public services, including an electronic system for registering births and deaths and standards imposed on IT suppliers in the health and social care system.
• Scientists will be able to ask for broad consent for areas of scientific research and legitimate researchers conducting scientific research in commercial settings will have equal use of such data regime. Care must be taken to harmonise this with UK GDPR safeguards, including balancing research needs with data subjects’ rights.
• The ICO will be modernised and strengthened, including appointment of a CEO, board and chair.

Although no explicit plans regarding AI were addressed, the King’s Speech did reference the establishment of appropriate legislation to impose requirements on those developing the most powerful AI models. Further, the Product Safety and Metrology Bill will respond to new product risks and opportunities to enable the UK to keep pace with technological advances including AI.

My colleague, Laura Burge, has summarised some of the aims of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill here.