Are you aware of the new Data (Use and Access) Act 2025? Could Google search face stronger regulations? And British exports are given a boost
Today’s blog post covers a range of topics, from the new Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, potential regulations for Googe search and the government announces a £13 billion expansion of UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) Direct Lending Facility for chosen British exporters.
New Data (Use and Access) Act Receives Royal Assent — What to Do Next
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has now received Royal Assent, introducing significant updates to the UK’s data protection framework. The new law aims to make it easier for businesses to use personal data responsibly while encouraging innovation and economic growth.
While many of the changes are pro-growth, they also require action. Some provisions will come into force in two to six months, others within 12 months – so business will need to start preparing.
Key Changes Businesses Should Know About
The DUAA introduces several new rules and clarifications, including:
- Clearer rules on data use for research
- Relaxed restrictions on automated decision making in certain circumstances
- New rules around cookie use, allowing some use without consent
- New rights for charities to send certain marketing emails without prior consent
- A requirement to take the needs of children into account if online services are provided that they are likely to use
- A new legal basis called ‘recognised legitimate interests’ for processing personal data
- A requirement to have a formal complaints procedure for data protection issues
It also strengthens the powers of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), including:
- The ability to compel witnesses to attend interviews
- Request technical reports
- Issuing fines under PECR of up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover
What You Should Do Now
The ICO has produced a guide for organisations on what the new Act means for them.
The guide reviews what’s changing, what’s been made easier, and the new requirements businesses need to meet.
The ICO is encouraging businesses to make themselves familiar with the changes, look at whether they are doing enough to satisfy the requirement to consider the needs of children, and start thinking about how they can help people to make complaints.
UK Watchdog Moves Toward Tighter Oversight of Google Search
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has taken a key step toward stronger regulation of Google’s search business, which accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries in the country.
The CMA has proposed officially designating Google’s search services as having “strategic market status” (SMS) under the UK’s new Digital Markets regime. If the proposal goes ahead, the CMA will gain powers to introduce targeted measures to improve competition and fairness in how Google operates its search engine in the UK.
A final decision is expected by 13 October 2025, following a public consultation.
What the CMA could do
The CMA has published a roadmap outlining the types of measures it might introduce if Google is designated. Early priorities include:
- Choice screens to help people pick or switch search engines more easily, potentially including AI-assistants.
- Fairer and non-discriminatory search result ranking.
- More control for publishers over how their content is used in search results and AI-generated summaries.
- Easier movement of user search data to support the development of new, innovative services.
Further measures – tackling more complex issues such as Google’s power over advertising and content publishers – would be considered from 2026 onwards.
Why it matters
Google’s search and advertising tools are used by millions of people every day and are central to over 200,000 UK businesses who use Google search advertising to reach their customers online. But the CMA has heard concerns that Google’s dominance makes it hard for others to compete fairly.
Some of the key issues raised include:
- The high cost of search advertising.
- A lack of transparency over how Google ranks and displays results.
- Challenges in securing fair terms and control over how content is used.
- Default agreements with mobile device manufacturers that make it more difficult for competitors to find customers.
A More Open Playing Field
According to Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA: “Google search has delivered tremendous benefits – but our investigation so far suggests there are ways to make these markets more open, competitive and innovative.”
She added that the proposals aim to give users and businesses more choice and control while helping new tech firms get a foothold in the market.
The CMA says it will take a proportionate, evidence-based approach, and is seeking views from businesses, consumer groups, and other stakeholders via a consultation that is open until 5pm on 22 July 2025.
Government Boosts UK Export Finance with £13 Billion to Back British Industries
The government has announced a £13 billion expansion of UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) Direct Lending Facility, aimed at supporting British exporters across key industries.
Through its Direct Lending Facility, UKEF, the government’s export credit agency, helps overseas buyers finance purchases from UK suppliers. This funding uplift, part of the newly published Industrial Strategy, gives UKEF greater flexibility to support all eight Industrial Strategy sectors.
Alongside the lending increase, UKEF will launch a new loan guarantee scheme to support access to critical minerals. The agency also plans to legislate to raise its statutory commitment limit, allowing it to support more businesses across the country.
To strengthen local delivery, UKEF will expand its network of export finance managers, focusing on city regions and industrial clusters. These specialists offer free, impartial guidance on export finance options.
The announcement comes ahead of UKEF’s 2024-25 annual report, which is expected to confirm a record year. In 2023-24, the agency supported 650 UK businesses of all sizes and types with £8.8 billion in backing.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukef-unveils-new-strategic-financing-for-industrial-growth