Smart Data Review: proposals

Our 2018 consumer green paper, Modernising consumer markets, announced that we would launch a Smart Data Review to consider how we can accelerate the development and use of new data-driven technologies and services to improve consumer outcomes.

The review has concluded that there is considerable potential for Smart Data to support better consumer outcomes across consumer markets.

Proposals

The review’s main proposals are summarised below.

Accelerating the development of innovative data-driven services in consumer markets

• The establishment of a new cross-sectoral Smart Data Function to oversee the delivery of smart data initiatives across multiple markets.
• Introducing an Open Communications initiative that will require communications businesses to provide consumers’ data to third party providers at the consumer’s request,
• Consulting later in the year, as part of a broader competition green paper, on extending Smart Data to digital markets in our response to the recommendations of the Digital Competition Expert Panel.

Using data and technology to help vulnerable consumers

• Establishing a Vulnerable Consumer Challenge that will encourage data-driven innovation to improve outcomes for vulnerable consumers.
• Placing the needs of vulnerable consumers at the centre of Smart Data initiatives and the new Smart Data Function.
• Exploring ways regulators can utilise consumer data, subject to the right protections, to support vulnerable consumers.

Ensuring consumers and their data are protected

• Building trust in innovative data-driven services by introducing strong data protection requirements on Third Party Providers accessing consumer data.
• A cross-sectoral approach to the regulation of Third Party Providers to minimise burdens on providers that operate across multiple markets.

Next steps

We are now consulting on these proposals. The consultation closes at midday on 6 August 2019.

Take part in the consultation.