I've had a response from the Liberal Democrat MP, Layla Moran in relation to concerns raised about the proposed DUA Bill.
Dear Ray
Thank you for writing to me about the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
We welcome the omission of many of the more objectionable elements of the previous Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, which was introduced by the previous Conservative government but fell when the General Election was called. I spoke in the second reading debate of that Bill and you can read my speech here.
Despite these changes, retention and enhancement of public trust in data use and sharing is a major issue in the bill. The focus on smart data and sharing of government data means that the Government must do more to educate the public about how and where our data is used and what powers individuals have to find out this information.
There are still major changes proposed to the GDPR -e.g. as regards police duties and Automated Decision Making which continue to make retention of data adequacy for the purposes of digital trade with the EU of the utmost priority in considering any changes.
We continue to believe that the GDPR /Data Protection Act 2018 is not in need of fundamental reform but rather where there is any ambiguity/difficulty in interpretation clarifications incorporating relevant recitals to the GDPR should be made in the legislation and in improved guidance.
We are also supportive of Baroness Kidron’s amendments to strengthen the rights of the creative industry to challenge generative AI business practices which seek to train models on their work. This is a key campaigning area for the Liberal Democrats, as we believe existing copyright law should be enforced to protect the UK’s creative industries – a world-leading British export.
The Government-as did the last one- continue to claim huge benefits -nearly £10bn. from reforms in the bill. We are very sceptical about this and will continue to scrutinise how these changes will impact business.
Liberal Democrats believe that the UK should be broadly aligned with the forthcoming EU AI legislation in terms of safeguards. Whilst we agree that Article 22 lacks clarity, we strongly disagree that it should be amended to limit its effect. We advocate amendment to strengthen its reach so that it applies to predominantly automated processing as well.
Individuals must be allowed to request information about algorithmic decisions which affect them and the data that is subject to decisions made.
It will be important that the public understand when and how AI intersects with their lives and what control they have over the process. Transparent and digestible explanations of AI systems and where they are employed will be helpful in demystifying the use of AI and promoting long-term trust in society.
The Liberal Democrats’ Science, Technology, and Innovation spokesperson Victoria Collins spoke in the second reading debate and you can read her speech here.
Overall, the Liberal Democrats support a modernised data framework that upholds digital rights while stimulating innovation. Our vision is of a digital future that spreads the benefits of technology across society while protecting fundamental liberties. However, we do need to see better safeguards in this Bill to protect fundamental rights and embed proper scrutiny. We will work with colleagues across the House, as well as with civil society organisations such as Big Brother Watch, Liberty and the Ada Lovelace Institute, to ensure that those important protections are not overlooked.
Thanks again for writing to me about this incredibly important issue.
Best wishes,
Layla
Layla Moran
Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Oxford West & Abingdon
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