There’s a big shift coming in how businesses handle customer and member data—and we’re here to make sure you’re ready.
The UK government is introducing the Data Use and Access Bill, and it’s going to affect anyone who stores, manages, or markets to a customer base. Think more rights for individuals, tighter rules for organisations, and a whole lot more accountability.
At ESco, we’re keeping a close eye on the legislation as it moves through Parliament so we can support you every step of the way. So, what is the Data Use and Access Bill all about?
In short: it’s a major update to the rules around data. The bill gives individuals more power over their data, and it places new responsibilities on businesses like ours—and yours. Here are the highlights:
- Greater access for customers: Your customers and members will have enhanced rights to access the data you hold on them—from purchase history and engagement data to their marketing preferences.
- Faster response times: Subject Access Requests (SARs) will need to be answered more quickly and with more transparency.
- Stricter marketing rules: The bar’s going up on how you gather consent for marketing and how you manage direct comms like email and SMS.
- Tougher enforcement: Regulators will get sharper teeth, with more powers to investigate, audit, and issue penalties if organisations fall short.
But what does this mean for publishers and membership organisations? If you’re holding years’ worth of customer or member data, this legislation will touch nearly every part of your data journey. You’ll need to make sure:
- You can produce full data records on request, including historic engagement and subscription activity.
- Consent for marketing is crystal clear, properly recorded, and simple for people to withdraw.
- Your systems—whether for marketing, CRM or data storage—can export data securely and quickly.
- Your teams are clued up on what the new laws mean and what they need to do to stay compliant.
If you’re already using ESco’s services—especially our subscription management, SCV, or marketing tools—this stuff matters to you. And we’re on it.
We’re ahead of the curve. Here’s what we’re working on right now:
- Auditing our systems to streamline data access for customers.
- Reviewing every marketing consent journey to make sure it’s compliant.
- Keeping pace with updates from regulators and industry bodies, so we’re ready to act fast when the final legislation lands.
Our aim? To help you meet these new requirements without adding a mountain of admin to your to-do list. The Bill is currently working its way through Parliament. It’s expected to become law later this year or early next. Once finalised, we expect a transition period, giving organisations time to adapt.
We’ll be keeping you updated with practical guidance and reminders, so nothing gets missed. And as always, we’re just a phone call (or email) away.
Let’s get ready—together
Got questions? Want to check if your systems are up to scratch? Your ESco Client Relationship Manager is here to help. In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates—we’ve got your back.
