What significant change was made to data protection law in the UK in 2018?

The significant change made to data protection law in the UK in 2018 was the implementation of the Data Protection Act 2018. This Act was crucial as it updated the legal framework surrounding data protection in the UK, ensuring that it was in line with the requirements set out by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) implemented across the EU.

One of the key components of the Data Protection Act 2018 is that it establishes clearer rules regarding how personal data should be handled, protecting the rights of individuals concerning their data. It incorporates principles such as accountability, transparency, and the need for data protection by design and by default.

This reform was significant because it not only aimed to enhance individuals' control over their personal data but also updated the legal obligations of organizations that process this data, thereby increasing compliance and trust in data handling practices.