VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Digital Service Providers: Data Protection

Asked by Michael WheelerLabourDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 14 April 2026UIN 123876

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the data protection practices of overseas third-party age-verification providers operating under the Online Safety Act.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act impose obligations on data controllers – which include age verification services - to process data fairly, lawfully, and transparently. The UK’s data protection legislation provides for extraterritorial scope, which applies to organisations offering goods or services or monitoring the behaviour of data subjects within the UK.

The Information Commissioner’ Office can investigate any concerns raised about the misuse or mishandling of data.

Ofcom and the ICO recently issued a joint statement on age assurance to provide greater clarity on how services can meet their obligations under the OSA and UK data protection legislation.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim