ICO signs MoU with UK Government to raise data protection standards
08/01/2026 | ICO
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with His Majesty’s Government (HMG) over its commitment to raise data protection standards.
The MOU establishes a formal framework for government departments, supported by the Government Chief Data Officer (GCDO) and departmental data protection officers (DPOs), to improve transparency and accountability, with the aim of rebuilding public trust in how personal information is handled. The ICO will provide ongoing advice and scrutiny, while reinforcing its ability to take enforcement action if standards are not maintained. To ensure transparency, the government has committed to publishing an annual assurance statement on GOV.UK, detailing progress and evidencing improvements in its data handling obligations and regulatory compliance.
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