As part of the agreement with the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement (Global CAPE), the UK data regulator will be able to assist with investigations and share information with member countries without having to enter separate memorandums of understanding.

Global CAPE was established to supplement the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation cross-border privacy rules. The new arrangement allows for participation by countries outside the Asia Pacific area.

Members of Global CAPE include the US, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and Chinese Taipei.

John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner (pictured), said: "The ICO’s association with the Global CAPE is an important step in strengthening our relationship with other countries so we can work together to tackle global data protection and privacy issues.

“Personal information of UK people often moves between countries, so it’s vital that we work with our key international partners to design solutions that safeguard people’s privacy wherever they are based.”