UK ICO Transitions to Board-Run Model Under Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
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The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is transitioning from a single-leader model to a board-run structure under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA). This change aims to meet the agency's growing workload and bring diverse expertise to data protection. The shift will introduce new governance, investigatory powers, and secondary duties, including promoting innovation and competition. The ICO will also expand its Data Essentials training scheme for SMEs. Paul Arnold, the first CEO of the new ICO structure, and John Edwards, the current Information Commissioner, announced the changes at the IAPP Intensive London event on February 25, 2026. The transition is expected to be fully materialized within the next few weeks.
Timeline
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26.02.2026 16:00 1 articles · 4h ago
ICO Announces Transition to Board-Run Model Under DUAA 2025
On February 25, 2026, at the IAPP Intensive London event, Paul Arnold and John Edwards announced the ICO's transition to a board-run model under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The change aims to meet the agency's growing workload and bring diverse expertise to data protection. The new structure will introduce new governance, investigatory powers, and secondary duties, including promoting innovation and competition. The ICO will also expand its Data Essentials training scheme for SMEs.
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- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00
Information Snippets
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The ICO is moving from a single-leader model to a board-run structure under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA).
First reported: 26.02.2026 16:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00
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Paul Arnold, with 28 years at the ICO, was named the first CEO of the new structure in summer 2025.
First reported: 26.02.2026 16:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00
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John Edwards, the current Information Commissioner, will become the first chair of the new board.
First reported: 26.02.2026 16:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00
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The new board will include non-executive directors appointed by the UK government.
First reported: 26.02.2026 16:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00
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The DUAA introduces new investigatory powers, including compelling witnesses and requiring technical evidence.
First reported: 26.02.2026 16:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00
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The ICO will expand its Data Essentials training scheme for SMEs in the next couple of months.
First reported: 26.02.2026 16:001 source, 1 articleShow sources
- UK's Data Watchdog Gets a Makeover to Match Growing Demands — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 26.02.2026 16:00