ICO publishes guidance on recognised legitimate interests
23/03/2026 | ICO
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published new guidance on recognised legitimate interests, a lawful basis for processing personal data under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUA Act). The guidance clarifies that recognised legitimate interests apply to five specific conditions considered to be in the public interest. Organisations are not required to assess whether an individual's rights or freedoms outweigh the recognised legitimate interest, provided the processing is deemed necessary. Organisations currently using standard legitimate interests do not need to change lawful basis, while public authorities are advised that the existing public task basis remains the most appropriate legal ground for data processing.
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