Technology & Platform Businesses
SaaS providers, app developers and online platforms building privacy into products, contracts and launches.
UK GDPR · EU GDPR · International Transfers · AI Governance
Knowledgeable Privacy and Data Protection Lawyer
Data protection advice for businesses built on data, content and technology.
From London, we advise media, entertainment and technology businesses on UK and EU data protection, international data transfers, AI governance and data breach response, with practical advice that fits how your products and platforms actually work.
Specialist Advice, Not a Compliance Checklist
Data protection risk is highest where personal data drives the product: apps, platforms, content, marketing and AI. That is where our clients work.
Media, Entertainment & Creative Businesses
Producers, publishers, agencies and talent businesses handling contributor, audience and marketing data.
Growing & International Businesses
SMEs and international groups managing UK, EU and overseas data flows, suppliers and investor due diligence.
Data Protection & Privacy Services
Regulatory Compliance & Strategy
- UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
- EU GDPR for businesses offering services into the EU
- Electronic marketing and cookies under PECR
- How UK and EU rules interact with the CCPA/CPRA, India's DPDPA and Vietnam's PDPL
International Data Transfers
- UK International Data Transfer Agreements and the UK Addendum
- EU Standard Contractual Clauses and transfer risk assessments
- Use of the UK-US Data Bridge
- Binding Corporate Rules for international groups
AI, Technology & Digital Governance
- Personal data in AI training, tools and outputs
- Automated decision-making and algorithmic transparency
- EU AI Act obligations for UK businesses serving the EU
- Adtech, tracking and cookie compliance
Data Breach Response & Disputes
- Incident response plans prepared before a breach happens
- Rapid advice on containment, assessment and the 72-hour notification decision
- Notifications to the Information Commission and EU regulators
- Data subject complaints, regulatory investigations and compensation claims
DPIAs, Audits & Records
- Data mapping and Article 30 records of processing
- Data Protection Impact Assessments for high-risk processing
- Controller and processor agreements and vendor risk reviews
- Data protection due diligence on investments and acquisitions
Privacy Notices That Meet the Legal Standard
We draft and review privacy notices and policies for websites, apps and client-facing businesses. Each one covers what the UK GDPR requires.
Identity & Data Collected
- Who the controller is and how to contact it
- Any Data Protection Officer or EU representative
- Categories of data and where they come from
Purposes, Sharing & Transfers
- Each purpose mapped to its lawful basis
- Recipients, such as suppliers, advisers and regulators
- Safeguards for international transfers
Retention & Individual Rights
- How long data is kept, and why
- Rights of access, erasure, objection and portability
- How to complain, including the new complaints process
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: Dates That Matter
The biggest update to UK data protection law since Brexit is now largely in force. Policies, notices and processes written before 2026 should be reviewed.
Key Dates
- 19 June 2025Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 receives Royal Assent
- 19 December 2025EU renews UK adequacy until 27 December 2031
- 5 February 2026Main UK GDPR and PECR changes come into force
- 19 June 2026Controllers must have a data protection complaints process
- 30 September 2026The Information Commission replaces the ICO
What It Means in Practice
- Privacy notices and complaints procedures need updating
- Recognised legitimate interests can simplify some processing
- Automated decision-making rules are relaxed, but safeguards remain
- PECR fines now match UK GDPR levels, so cookie and marketing compliance matters more
Cross-Border Data Protection, Coordinated From London
UK & EU Lead
We advise on the UK GDPR and on how the EU GDPR applies to UK businesses with European customers, users or offices.
Local Counsel Where Needed
Where advice on another country's privacy law is needed, we coordinate with local counsel, so you have one point of contact.
Joined-Up Advice
Data protection, technology contracts, IP and platform compliance are handled together, so your terms, policies and supplier contracts stay consistent.
Data Protection in Practice
Consumer App — Children's Data and App-Store Compliance
Advised a pre-launch app handling photographs and personal information relating to children on lawful basis, a data protection impact assessment, retention and privacy documentation, and how app-store purchasing rules affected its business model.
Read the full instruction →Reputation Restoration — Social Media & Press
Advised a professional client featured in a social media video and legacy news articles about a matter in which she had been acquitted, on right to be forgotten requests and GDPR takedown procedures.
Read the case study →Anonymised and high-level. Past work does not guarantee a particular outcome in any future matter.
Led by Our Principal Solicitor
Data protection matters are led by Peter Adediran, founder and principal solicitor, who has advised businesses on data protection, internet and technology law for over 25 years.
Internet Lawyer Since 1999
Over 25 years in commercial, IP and technology law
Published Author
A Practical Guide to Business, Law & the Internet (Kogan Page, 2002)
MBL Seminars Partner
International CPD training for 286,000+ professionals across 73 countries
SRA Regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (No. 827265)
Data Protection Questions
What is the UK GDPR?
The UK GDPR is the version of the EU General Data Protection Regulation retained in UK law after Brexit. It sits alongside the Data Protection Act 2018 and has been amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. It applies to organisations processing personal data in the UK and to some organisations outside the UK that offer goods or services to, or monitor, people in the UK.
What is the difference between a data controller and a data processor?
A controller decides why and how personal data is processed, such as a business using customer data for orders and marketing. A processor handles personal data only on the controller's instructions, such as a printing company that receives a mailing list to send flyers. Controllers carry most of the compliance obligations, and the contract between controller and processor must contain specific terms required by the UK GDPR.
What changed under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025?
Most of the data protection changes came into force on 5 February 2026. They include a list of recognised legitimate interests, clearer rules on automated decision-making, more flexibility for research and certain cookies, and revised rules for international transfers. From 19 June 2026, controllers must have a process for handling data protection complaints. From 30 September 2026, the Information Commissioner's Office was replaced by the Information Commission.
How quickly must a personal data breach be reported?
If a breach is likely to result in a risk to people's rights and freedoms, it must be reported to the Information Commission without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. If the risk is high, the affected individuals must also be told without undue delay. Breaches that are not reported still need to be recorded internally.
Can we transfer personal data from the UK to the US or the EU?
Transfers from the UK to the EEA are permitted under UK adequacy regulations, and the EU renewed its adequacy decision for the UK in December 2025, so data can flow from the EEA to the UK until at least 27 December 2031. Transfers to the US can rely on the UK-US Data Bridge where the recipient is certified. Other transfers usually need the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or the UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, together with a transfer risk assessment.
When do we need a Data Protection Impact Assessment?
A DPIA is required before processing that is likely to result in a high risk to individuals, for example large-scale processing of sensitive data, systematic monitoring, processing children's data for online services, or using new technologies such as AI to make significant decisions about people. It should be completed before the processing starts and kept under review.
What are the maximum fines for breaching data protection law?
Under the UK GDPR, the higher maximum is £17.5 million or 4% of total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 raised fines for breaches of the electronic marketing and cookie rules in PECR to the same level. Regulators can also issue reprimands, enforcement notices and processing bans.
Do you advise on privacy laws outside the UK and EU?
Yes. We advise on how the UK GDPR and EU GDPR interact with other regimes such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act and Vietnam's personal data protection law, and coordinate with local counsel where advice on another country's law is needed.
Request a Confidential Consultation
Speak directly with our principal solicitor. Every enquiry, including a suspected data breach, is treated in strict confidence.
- What your business does and the personal data it handles
- The countries where your users, customers or suppliers are based
- Existing privacy notices, policies or supplier contracts
- Any deadline, such as a launch date, a breach discovery time or a regulator letter
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7305 7491
Email: peter@pailsolicitors.co.uk
23 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6HE
Fees are agreed upfront. We do not offer free initial consultations, legal aid or no-win-no-fee arrangements.
Make an appointment
Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your success.