UK businesses weak on privacy by design and accountability

New research by GRC Solutions reveals significant and persistent weaknesses in UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance. Based on gap-assessment data from over 60 organisations across eight sectors, the 2025 GDPR Benchmark Report found that many organisations remain at a "limited" or "developing" level of assurance. 

Technology companies emerged as the most mature sector due to widespread adoption of international standards and dedicated in-house expertise. However, despite technology leading the way, the report highlights a nationwide struggle to integrate privacy-by-design into products and systems. Governance, risk management, and data subject rights were among the nine areas evaluated, with third-party due diligence identified as a major failing. Experts warned that inadequate oversight of partners leaves personal data at risk and increases corporate liability. Overall, the findings suggest that, eight years after GDPR enforcement began, core data-handling controls remain inconsistent across the UK.

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