Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12) – Section 120B – Duties in relation to functions under the data protection legislation
Sections
Section 120B[F1Duties in relation to functions under the data protection legislation
In carrying out functions under the data protection legislation, the [F2Commission] must have regard to such of the following as appear to the [F2Commission] to be relevant in the circumstances—
- (a)the desirability of promoting innovation;
- (b)the desirability of promoting competition;
- (c)the importance of the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences;
- (d)the need to safeguard public security and national security;
- (e)the fact that children merit specific protection with regard to their personal data because they may be less aware of the risks and consequences associated with processing of personal data and of their rights in relation to such processing.]
Amended text
This Section is shown as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), among other instruments (see the annotations below) (commenced provisions as at 30 September 2026, ELI), as incorporated in the text in force on 30 September 2026 as published on legislation.gov.uk.
Annotations
Textual Amendments
- F1 Ss. 120A-120D and cross-heading inserted (20.8.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), ss. 91(3), 142(1) (with s. 91(5)); S.I. 2025/904, reg. 2(e)
- F2 Word in s. 120B substituted (30.9.2026) by The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/386), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 23(2)(3); S.I. 2026/1015, reg. 2(c)
https://dpa2018.digiphile.law/article/article-120B.html
Text as at 18 September 2026.
This is an unofficial convenience version of the Data Protection Act 2018. It is presented “as is” without guarantee of accuracy, completeness or reliability. See the source text for the official version. This site was last updated in September 2026.