For businesses in the UK, it is essential that you know how to ensure that your business is GDPR compliant. Data protection is an important legal requirement, but it is also a key trust factor for modern customers. Therefore, it is vital that you know how to navigate UK GDRP along with recent reforms like the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA). Read on to find out more.

Building the Foundation of GDPR

UK GDPR, retained in domestic law alongside the Data Protection Act 2018, establishes the key principles that every organization must follow when it comes to handling personal data. This includes key elements such as transparency, purpose limitation, and security. GDPR also applies to businesses inside and outside of the UK that are targeting UK individuals, so it is essential that businesses operating overseas but with UK customers are aware of this.

 

Understanding the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 & Its Impacts

There was a key recent reform to UK GDPR: the Data (Use and Access) Act (DUAA), which received Royal Assent in June 2025. This will introduce a handful of changes that will affect automated decision-making, legitimate interests, cookies, and enhanced enforcement powers – plus continuing EU adequacy status.

Introducing Practical Compliance Steps

In order to keep up with requirements and avoid penalties and legal issues, there are a few practical compliance steps for businesses to take in 2025. These include:

  • Conduct Legitimate Interests Assessments (LIAs): Particularly when processing potential customer data, such as work emails.
  • Document decisions: Maintain clear records of how and why you process data.
  • Secure infrastructure: Use business cloud storage to protect sensitive business data.
  • Review ICO finding guidance: Understand how penalties are calculated to prioritise compliance efforts.

Best Practices on Consent Models & Privacy by Design

Consent is a key element of compliance. Therefore, you need to adopt clear opt-ins for marketing communications and consider a compliant “consent-or-pay” model where appropriate. You should also embed Privacy by Design into any new systems, which will ensure that privacy is considered from the outset as opposed to being an afterthought. Additionally, businesses should also prepare for further ICO guidance on key areas like children’s data, cookie practices, and the application of recognized legitimate interests. Being proactive is hugely beneficial when it comes to GDPR and can significantly reduce regulatory risk.

Every business must have a strong understanding of UK GDPR in 2025. This is important from a regulatory standpoint and to avoid fines and legal disputes, but also so that you can protect customer data and build trust. Keep in mind that there are frequent reforms to GDPR, such as the recent Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA), so you need to make an ongoing effort to stay abreast of the latest developments and adopt best practices when it comes to compliance and consent models.