E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N

ata centres operating in

A new set of laws to better protect the nation ’ s data would make minimum requirements mandatory to ensure data centre operators are taking appropriate steps to boost their security and resilience . It will also help protect businesses and services that rely on data centres against disruption , reducing the risk of significant incidents that would interrupt or compromise access to data they rely on .

A new regulatory function is also being considered , to make sure operators of data centre services report incidents and work with the sector to assure and test risk mitigation against threats and hazards . The move is intended to encourage better transparency of information and co-operation across industry and the government so risks to the UK can be appropriately identified and addressed .

As data centres play a crucial role in the UK economy , a significant security issue could impact the entire country , not just individual businesses , so these plans would make sure these businesses are operating in line with the greater national interest . As such , the government is also considering designating parts of the data centre sector as critical national infrastructure .

Data centres are facilities designed to store , manage and process large amounts of digital information such as business databases , customer records , website content and other critical information which is essential to how modern businesses and online services operate . The proposals come as more people use connected devices and engage in digital activities such as shopping online and social media , meaning the amount of data stored in the UK alone has risen by a significant margin – highlighting the growing demand for data storage and processing capabilities , as well as the need to protect it .

As data becomes more valuable , data centres are more at risk from incidents such as cyberthreats and extreme weather with extreme and prolonged weather interrupting our access to important data .

Around 28 % of all UK businesses use services housed in data centres . Large companies , specifically those with at least 250 employees , are even more likely to use them , with 62 % doing so . Data centre operators generated around £ 4.6 billion in revenue in 2021 . In 2022 , data played a significant role in the UK ’ s economy , contributing 6.9 % to Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ), and 76 % of all UK service exports were reliant on data .

With data centre outages costing the industry billions a year , it is hoped these changes will protect against potential risks and in turn keep more money in the bank for companies while giving the public peace of mind .

This collaborative effort aims to ensure the security of the UK ’ s data infrastructure , combining regulations with industry insights for a strong and safe digital environment .

The new framework is also expected to help fuel economic growth by making the UK a more attractive place to invest in these services as it shores up its data centre resilience .

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill will build on this further , with the legislation improving data security , bolstering national security , and delivering new post-Brexit economic opportunities to the tune of at least £ 4 billion .

www . intelligentdatacentres . com 31