Matthew Pryke , one of the partners at Hamlins made the following statement about these findings : “ Despite awareness about the GDPR , too many businesses are complacent and think because of their size or nature of business they are somehow exempt from having to comply . Regardless of Brexit , this regulation – even with the words EU fronting the name – will still apply for all businesses operating in the UK . Those who leave it to chance and don ’ t prepare now , could be left high and dry if the Information Commissioner ’ s Office find businesses breach regulations .”
Implications to personal data management Perhaps the greatest challenge to UK based businesses will be when the UK finally ceases to be an EU member state . In 2015 , the EU court invalidated special-location specific measures that allowed for the freedom of data processing between the US and the EU ; ending the so called safe harbour scheme , in response to the NSA affair revealed by Edward Snowden .
Once the UK leaves the EU , it is therefore expected that there will be no special provisions made for the processing of personal data . This is perhaps one of the key factors that forced the Government ’ s hand in implementing the June 2017 ruling , as it is hoped that the UK will receive a formal adequacy decision from the European Commission . Failure to receive such a decision could see a significant impact to business between the UK and the EU .
Finally … financial implications With the UK currently exploring the opportunities represented by global trade , the EU remains a viable and profitable market for all types of UK based services . No one can predict at this stage what implications there will be for data based industries currently trading and working with EU member states - save to say that there are likely to be difficulties .
However , as many businesses in the EU equally benefit from access to the lucrative UK market , hopefully it will be in the best interests of both parties to find workable arrangements that facilitate no impact on the continuous flow of trade .
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