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12 due in 60 days · 190 regulations

UK Data Protection Act 2018

Amended United Kingdom · In force May 25, 2018 · no upcoming deadlines

Official text
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Deadlines

Takes effectJul 23, 2018 · 8.3 years ago · Source
Age appropriate design code powers commenceSection 123 (age-appropriate design code) comes into force.
Takes effectMay 25, 2018 · 8.4 years ago · Source
Main provisions commenceMost provisions come into force under SI 2018/625.
MilestoneMay 23, 2018 · 8.4 years ago · Source
Royal AssentData Protection Act 2018 receives Royal Assent.

Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.

What it does

Core UK data protection statute that sits alongside the UK GDPR. It sets exemptions and conditions for special category and criminal offence data, the law enforcement and intelligence services regimes, and the regulator's powers and fines. It has been substantially amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

Who it applies to
Controllers and processors processing personal data in the UK or of people in the UK, plus law enforcement and intelligence processing.
Penalties
Fines up to GBP 17.5 million or 4% of worldwide annual turnover for the most serious UK GDPR infringements; criminal offences for certain conduct.
Enforced by
Information Commissioner (Information Commission from 2026)
Official name
Data Protection Act 2018
Citation
2018 c. 12
Topics
Privacy, Breach notification, Children
Verified 2026-09-25 legislation.gov.uk
Research notes

Tracked separately from uk-gdpr and uk-duaa. Fine maximums come from the UK GDPR as read with section 157; check before display.

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Questions about UK Data Protection Act 2018
What are the UK Data Protection Act 2018 compliance deadlines?
May 23, 2018: Royal Assent. May 25, 2018: Main provisions commence. Jul 23, 2018: Age appropriate design code powers commence.
When does UK Data Protection Act 2018 take effect?
UK Data Protection Act 2018 took effect on May 25, 2018.
Who does UK Data Protection Act 2018 apply to?
Controllers and processors processing personal data in the UK or of people in the UK, plus law enforcement and intelligence processing.
What are the penalties under UK Data Protection Act 2018?
Fines up to GBP 17.5 million or 4% of worldwide annual turnover for the most serious UK GDPR infringements; criminal offences for certain conduct.