New Minister for Data Protection Sir Chris Bryant

On 8 July 2024, the Government appointed Sir Chris Bryant as the Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms (as well as Minister of State for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism). This is a new role and sits within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The responsibilities of the Minister include:

• digital infrastructure and telecoms
• data protection including the new data bill
• the ICO
• digital inclusion
• building digital UK
• space sector growth and UK Space Agency (UKSA)

Not much has been published yet regarding the Minister's approach to data or digital reform. However, at a fringe meeting at this year's Labour Party conference, the Minister highlighted digital inclusion and preventing AI bias as key aspects of his agenda.

Autumn 2024