Brexit and technology future in the UK

I sit on TechUK’s Brexit advisory panel and I want to see Tech companies continuing to flourish in the UK post-Brexit. I recently shared my thoughts in a CityAM article here. <link>

In the next 2 years, we will see the implementation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).  Companies in the UK will want to continue to share data with customers in the EU and vice-versa so it will be in our interests to match the new rules if we want to share data across our borders.

Data Protection

These new regulations will mark the first time since 1995 that the EU has updated its policy. Since then, we have seen huge developments in technology from iPhones to Whatsapp. All of these products need some sort of data regulation to protect us, the users.

Brexit has raised questions surrounding these regulations. Who will control everything? What should the standards be? The GDPR offers a framework we can adopt.

Earlier this month, the UK government announced plans for an updated UK Data and Protection Bill. This will bring us in line with the GDPR. We will adopt equivalent standards of data sharing to allow our tech firms to interact with EU firms and users post Brexit.

Moving forward

There has never been a more opportune time to shape policy. In working together – government and policy makers alike – we can build a tech-friendly future. We want the UK to continue to be a global hub for innovation.

I want to work with businesses. Come forward and tell us what your issues are. Tech UK has created the Brexit advisory panel for just this reason. We need you to help us shape the future.

You can read my thoughts in full in this article I wrote for CITYAM http://www.cityam.com/270974/brexit-opportunity-shape-future-uk-tech.