John Edwards has started his role as the new UK information commissioner.

The former privacy commissioner of New Zealand is joining on a five-year term.

Edwards succeeds Elizabeth Denham CBE, whose term ended last year.

“Privacy is a right not a privilege,” said Edwards. “In a world where our personal data can drive everything from the healthcare we receive to the job opportunities we see, we all deserve to have our data treated with respect.”

He added: “My role is to work with those to whom we entrust our data so they are able to respect our privacy with ease whilst still reaping the benefits of data-driven innovation. I also want to empower people to understand and influence how they want their data to be used, and to make it easy for people to access remedies if things go wrong.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said that it will be actively engaging with the government over the proposed reforms to the Data Protection Act and introduction of the Online Safety Bill this year, as well as “strengthening links with other digital regulators”.

The public body will also focus on its work to protect children online through the Age Appropriate Design Code.

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