Your data can get used against you and attacks on your rights mean you’ll have less ability to do anything about it.

Why data protection matters

Data protection rights protect people across all aspects of life – at work, using NHS services, applying for jobs or renting a flat. As the use of flawed and biased decision-making algorithms increases across every sector, data protection is particularly important for protecting the rights of marginalised groups, including migrants, LGBTQ people and people from racialised backgrounds. The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been used to challenge unfair dismissals in the workplace, private companies’ use of public health data, and illegal profiling by advertising companies.

Challenging Data Harvesting

ORG has taken action to stop government bodies and the private sector from using the personal data of millions of people. We seek to enforce legal protections and safeguards in UK GDPR to prevent the harms that can result from data misuse.

The problem with the Data Watchdog

Data rights are only as good as their effective enforcement. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has a poor track record of issuing weak reprimands instead of fines and acting as a critical friend to government. We need to reform and strengthen the regulator.

International Data Transfers

International agreements allow for data transfers to countries with insufficient data protection standards, enforceable rights or effective remedies.

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill

ORG campaigned against the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill that was binned when the General Election 2024 was called. It sought to weaken data protection in the UK, eroding data subject’s rights and corporate accountability mechanisms, as well as expanding the Secretary of State’s powers in numerous ways. We’ll fight any attempt to bring the Bill back.