Data Protection Act 2018UK · 2018 c. 12
Digiphile
Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12) – Section 124 – Data protection and journalism code

Sections

Section 124Data protection and journalism code

(1) The [F1Commission] must prepare a code of practice which contains—
  • (a)
    practical guidance in relation to the processing of personal data for the purposes of journalism in accordance with the requirements of the data protection legislation, and
  • (b)
    such other guidance as the [F1Commission] considers appropriate to promote good practice in the processing of personal data for the purposes of journalism.
(2) Where a code under this section is in force, the [F1Commission] may prepare amendments of the code or a replacement code.
(3) Before preparing a code or amendments under this section, the [F1Commission] must consult such of the following as the [F1Commission] considers appropriate—
  • (a)
    trade associations;
  • (b)
    data subjects;
  • (c)
    persons who appear to the [F1Commission] to represent the interests of data subjects.
(4) A code under this section may include transitional provision or savings.
(5) In this section—
  • “good practice in the processing of personal data for the purposes of journalism” means such practice in the processing of personal data for those purposes as appears to the [F2Commission] to be desirable having regard to—
    • (a)
      the interests of data subjects and others F3..., and
    • (b)
      the special importance of the public interest in the freedom of expression and information;

      [F4and includes compliance with the requirements of the data protection legislation;]

  • “trade association” includes a body representing controllers or processors.

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

  1. F1 Word in s. 124(1)-(3) 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)
  2. F2 Word in s. 124(5) 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)
  3. F3 Words in s. 124(5) omitted (20.8.2025) by virtue of Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), s. 142(1), Sch. 11 para. 18(a); S.I. 2025/904, reg. 2(y)
  4. F4 Words in s. 124(5) inserted (20.8.2025) by Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (c. 18), s. 142(1), Sch. 11 para. 18(b); S.I. 2025/904, reg. 2(y)

Commencement Information

  1. I1 S. 124 not in force at Royal Assent; s. 124 in force at 23.7.2018, see s. 212(3)(a)

https://dpa2018.digiphile.law/article/article-124.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.

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