What is personal data?
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The Data (Use and Access) Act 2026 got Royal Assent on 19 June 2025. All the provisions affecting data protection law and the Privacy and Electronic Regulations Communications are now in force. The Department for Science and Innovation (DSIT) has set out the commencement plans. You can find more details on the Gov.uk website.
This guidance discusses determining what is personal data in detail. Read it if you have detailed questions not answered in the Guide, or if you need a deeper understanding to help you determine what is personal data in practice. DPOs and those with specific data protection responsibilities in larger organisations are likely to find it useful.
If you haven’t yet read what is personal data? in the Guide to UK GDPR, you should read that first. It sets out the key points you need to know, along with practical checklists to help you comply.