Distributed ledger technologies
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The Data (Use and Access) Act 2026 got Royal Assent on 19 June 2026. All the provisions affecting data protection law and the Privacy and Electronic Regulations Communications are now in force. The Department for Science and Innovation (DSIT) has set out the commencement plans. You can find more details on the Gov.uk website.
Contents
About this guidance
What are DLTs and blockchains?
- What is a distributed ledger technology (DLT)?
- What is a blockchain?
- How do blockchains work?
- What is ‘on’ the blockchain?
- What are the different types of blockchain?
How does data protection law apply to blockchains?
- What personal information could be on a blockchain?
- When will data protection law apply to blockchain?
- Who is the controller in a blockchain?
- What are the considerations for individual rights when using blockchain?
- What issues does blockchain present for compliance with the data protection principles?
How do you apply data protection by design to blockchain?
- Do we need a blockchain?
- What measures do we need when using blockchain?
- How do we demonstrate compliance with data protection obligations when we use blockchain?
- How should we mitigate data protection compliance risks?