Data & Privacy

We treat data as an asset.

We understand that the right approach to data & privacy can be a real asset to your organisation. We also recognise the impact that good data & privacy practices can have on wider society.

We advise on data & privacy compliance across all sectors of the economy, from tech startups to established businesses, charities, not-for-profits and the public sector.  We are experts on the UK’s post-Brexit legal landscape as well as on the EU’s frameworks and new legislative proposals including on AI.  We also have an international perspective and have helped organisations operating in multiple jurisdictions to navigate complex supply chains and regulatory requirements.

We know that you need advice that lets you carry on doing what you need to do. We bring clear solutions and pragmatic guidance.

How we help

We help our clients navigate the requirements of data & privacy while realising the opportunities. Beyond advising on data, privacy and e-privacy law, we advise on the Freedom of Information Act 2000, confidentiality and more.

Our approach is pragmatic, practical, efficient and commercial. We understand your objectives, advise on the privacy compliance framework and the potential implications of using data.

We can support you with assessments, responses to requests and devising strategies for compliance. And if you’ve had a data security breach, we can assist straight away to support you.

Explore

Event | Demystifying investigations: Running a successful investigation – practical tips & lessons learned | 21 May 2025

Organisations are undertaking an increasing number of investigations, ranging from inquiries into individual actions such as misconduct to reviews into institutional …
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A safer life online for children: Ofcom’s call to action

If your organisation hosts online forums or other communities where users can interact online, you may need to take action …
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New data protection law will make it easier for charities to fundraise

It isn’t often that new data protection law actually makes it easier to do things. But that is the case …
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Age verification measures to regulate pornography – the latest from Ofcom and the Online Safety Act 2023

Pornography legislation has long been an emotive and contentious topic, with no consensus as to the correct approach to regulation. …
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Faith-based Organisations: 2024 and 2025 update

Welcome to our annual faith-based update. In this packed edition, we cover a range of issues that commonly present challenges …
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“They have a fantastic knowledge of the law and are able to come up with pragmatic solutions to any matter I raise.”

Data Protection, Chambers 2025

“The firm is responsive, patient and collegial.”

Data protection, Chambers 2025

“Responsive, thorough, clever, and detail-oriented.”

Data protection, Legal 500 2025

“Excellent and timely data protection advice.”

Data protection, Legal 500 2025

“The expert legal advice Bates Wells’s team provides is well informed by business realities and an understanding of facts on the ground.”

Data Protection, Chambers 2024

“Their drafts of legal advice were always to a very high standard and they took on board feedback very effectively, which all led to the strengthening of our position.”

Data Protection, Chambers 2024

“They are clearly very knowledgeable.”

Data Protection, Chambers 2024

‘The team is attentive to our needs, understands our business and what makes us unique. Their advice is commercial and balances risk well.’

Data Protection, Legal 500 2024

‘Bates Wells is extremely innovative and client-focused. The firm has a very clear identifiable vision about its role and values in delivering their services.’

Data Protection, Legal 500 2024

‘Bates Wells gives very practical and timely advice on privacy matters, in a manner that is understandable to non-experts.’

Data Protection, Legal 500 2024
Meet our team