The new head of the UK’s privacy watchdog plans to crack down on major technology companies, promising to “delve deeper” into the sector and push to align the UK with strict new EU data laws after Brexit.

In her maiden speech as information commissioner, Elizabeth Denham warned companies that deal with vast amounts of customer data that they could face investigation under her new regime and, if found to be mishandling information, potentially strict penalties.

"Whatever data protection law we have post-Brexit, I expect to see organisations taking responsibility for their actions, no matter how quick the technological change," said Ms Denham. "We have powers to issue fines of up to half a million pounds which could eventually rise to 4pc of a business' global turnover. In an ideal world we wouldn't need to enforce, but we will use the stick in the cupboard when necessary."