The Fight Against Data Lock-In: Why UK Businesses Need a Way Out

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-30

Imagine you've built your business on a cloud platform. Years of customer data, invoices, project files—all stored neatly. Then one day, you decide to switch providers or bring everything back in-house. Suddenly, you're trapped. The exit fees are astronomical, the data formats are proprietary, and migrating feels like scaling a cliff. That's vendor lock-in, and it's a growing problem for businesses across the UK. Ed Accura, a tech entrepreneur and founder of the Stop the Lock-In campaign, is urging UK lawmakers to step in. He wants enforceable data portability rights that cover both cloud and on-premises storage. In plain English: you should be able to pack up your data and leave without being held hostage. ### What's the Big Deal About Lock-In? Lock-in happens when switching costs—financial, technical, or contractual—make it practically impossible to change providers. It's not just about exit fees (though those can be brutal). It's also about data formats that don't translate, APIs that only work one way, and contracts that lock you in for years. For small and medium businesses, this can be crippling. You're stuck with a provider that might raise prices, degrade service, or fail to innovate. And if you're a startup, the flexibility to pivot is your lifeblood. Lock-in kills that. > "Businesses shouldn't need a law degree and a crowbar to get their own data back," Accura argues. "Data portability is a basic right in the digital age." ### What's Being Proposed? Accura's proposal is straightforward: give businesses a legal right to data portability. That means: - **Clear exit rights**: Providers must let you export your data in a usable format, free of charge, within a reasonable timeframe. - **Cloud and on-premises coverage**: It's not just about the cloud; on-premises systems should also be covered so you're not trapped by legacy software. - **Enforcement**: Rights are meaningless without teeth. Accura wants regulators to have the power to fine non-compliant providers. ### Why Now? The timing is no accident. The UK is reviewing its data protection laws post-Brexit, and there's a window to shape the rules. Meanwhile, the EU is moving ahead with its own Data Act, which includes portability provisions. If the UK doesn't act, it risks falling behind and leaving businesses vulnerable. Accura points out that the UK government has talked about boosting competition and innovation. "Well, here's a concrete way to do it," he says. "Let businesses vote with their feet." ### The Counterargument Of course, cloud providers argue that lock-in isn't as bad as it seems. They say exit fees cover real costs, and that portability can compromise security. But Accura counters that security is a red herring—data can be exported securely. And as for costs, he says, "If your business model depends on trapping customers, maybe it's time for a new model." ### What Can You Do? If you're a business owner, start by auditing your contracts. Look for clauses that restrict data export or impose hefty exit fees. Ask your provider: "If I want to leave tomorrow, what happens?" Their answer might surprise you. And if you want to see change, speak up. Support campaigns like Accura's, or lobby your MP. Because the right to data portability isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for a fair and competitive market. The UK has a chance to lead on this. Let's hope lawmakers take it.