A leading media lawyer has warned that the proposed Data Protection Bill cost amendments could be unlawful to enact and in violation of human rights laws.

MPs are due to vote tomorrow on amendments which would require publishers to pay all the claimants’ costs of legal action brought against them over data protection breaches, win or lose, unless they are signed up to a state-backed regulator – which is currently only Impress.

Antony White QC of Matrix Chambers gave his legal opinion on the amendments to industry body the News Media Association.