Source · Select Committees · Treasury Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Paragraph: 46
Prohibit Government and Bank of England from using digital pound data beyond law enforcement.
Recommendation
We recommend that any primary legislation used to introduce a digital pound does not allow the Government or Bank of England to use the data from a digital pound for any purposes beyond those already permitted for law enforcement.
Government Response Summary
The government has committed to guaranteeing users' privacy in primary legislation if a digital pound were launched, confirming neither the Government nor the Bank would have access to personal data beyond existing law enforcement permissions.
Paragraph Reference:
46
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
HM Treasury and the Bank agree that strong privacy safeguards would be vital if a digital pound were to be introduced. As set out in the 2023 Consultation Paper, neither the Government nor the Bank would have access to users’ personal data. Law enforcement would only have access to users’ personal information in limited circumstances and where there is a fair and lawful basis–as is the case today. Following feedback from consultation respondents, and in alignment with the report’s recommendation, the Government has committed to guaranteeing users’ privacy in primary legislation if a digital pound were launched.