In Plain English
AI-generatedThe Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 is now law. It sets the rules for how data can be used and who can access it, aiming to balance the benefits of data use with privacy and security protections.
Key Points
- Sets the rules for data use and access by organisations and individuals in the UK.
- Has completed passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent, becoming law.
- Two notable votes during passage: Commons vote 304 Aye, 189 No (10 June 2025) and Lords vote 195 Aye, 124 No (22 May 2025) on the Lords amendments.
- Labour (Co‑op) broadly supported the bill; Conservative MPs and Liberal Democrats largely opposed; other parties were mixed or oppositional.
- Affects organisations that handle data, public bodies, researchers and individuals whose data may be used or accessed.
Progress
The bill has completed its passage and received Royal Assent, so it is now law with no further parliamentary steps required.
Voting
Two recorded votes during passage: 304 Aye to 189 No in the Commons, and 195 Aye to 124 No on a Lords amendment. Labour (Co‑op) supported it, while Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs generally opposed, with other parties mixed in their positions.
Who is affected?
Individuals whose personal data may be used or accessed Organisations that handle, use or access data (businesses, charities, government bodies)Public sector bodies and government departmentsResearchers and academic institutionsData protection regulators and authorities
Generated 21 February 2026