Smart Data opportunities in digital markets, Public Sector article

Smart Data opportunities in digital markets

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Smart Data opportunities in digital markets: government response

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Detail of outcome

This is the UK government’s response to the Smart Data opportunities in digital markets call for evidence held between 28 July 2025 and 15 September 2025. It provides a high-level summary of the key themes identified through thematic analysis of the responses and a question-by-question thematic analysis of responses to the call for evidence. The purpose of this analysis is to capture the range of perspectives received and to support evidence-led consideration of the potential role of Smart Data in digital markets.

We received 54 responses, from a diverse range of stakeholders including digital markets firms, technology providers, potential authorised third-party providers, trade bodies, consumer groups, academic organisations and other interested parties.

Original call for evidence

Summary

We are seeking views on whether and how to introduce a Smart Data scheme in digital markets, using the new powers provided under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

This call for evidence ran from
9am on 28 July 2025 to 11:59pm on 15 September 2025

Call for evidence description

We are seeking views on how new powers granted by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 could be used in digital markets to support:

innovation
competition
better outcomes for consumers and business

Smart Data enables the secure, consent-based sharing of customer and business data with authorised third parties. This will allow for the creation of innovative services that benefit consumers and support competition.

Digital markets are central to how individuals and businesses access goods, services, and content online. However, barriers to data portability, limited consumer control, and market concentration can reduce competition and limit innovation. A Smart Data scheme could help address these issues by enabling consumers and businesses to make better use of their data and supporting the development of new data-driven products and services.

This call for evidence will help the government assess whether there is a case for action in this area, and if so, how a scheme might be designed to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Responses to this call for evidence will inform the government’s next steps on the development of Smart Data in digital markets.

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