UK’s controversial data bill passes through parliament without AI protections

The UK’s Data (Use and Access) Bill has finally passed through parliament without the protections for creatives that key industry figures and their House of Lords backers were hoping to secure.

Was introduced in the Lords first, bypassing public scrutiny. No election pressure, no media, no accountability. By the time it reaches the Commons, MPs are told, “It’s already been debated, just pass it.”

1. Financial Surveillance and Control

The bill grants the Treasury and Financial Conduct Authority expanded powers over financial data, potentially enabling the monitoring, restriction, or freezing of financial transactions.

E.g. criticise the government and Ai could freeze your accounts. Remember Canada?

2. Digital ID Framework

The establishment of Digital Verification Services could lead to a national digital identity system, possibly becoming mandatory for accessing financial services, public services, and online platforms.

e.g. A person without a verified Digital ID cannot open a new bank account. Turning the ‘refuseniks’ into 2nd class citizens unable to even buy travel tickets.

3. Erosion of Data Protection Laws

The introduction of “Recognised

Legitimate Interest” is a social credit score system which may allow companies and government agencies to process data without explicit consent.

e.g. An individual applies for a mortgage and, without their consent, their medical records, social media activity, and financial transactions are accessed under the justification of risk assessment. They are denied the mortgage due to “potential future financial instability,” based on an Al-generated prediction of your likely behaviour.

4. Automated Decision-Making

The bill expands the use of Ai decision-making in areas like financial services, healthcare, and law enforcement, which could reduce human oversight and lead to individuals being denied services or support due to algorithmic errors.

e.g. if a payment is flagged by Ai as unusual your account can be trozen and marked as likely to commit fraud. There is no human appeal process.

6. The total control being ushered in by Labour is a direct abuse of your human rights to privacy and free speech.

This bill is the greatest overreach of government power over people in modern history. If it passes your government will never serve you again, you will serve it