Who is the UK regulator for data protection with powers to enforce compliance?

The Information Commissioner is the correct answer because it is the designated authority responsible for upholding information rights and ensuring that data protection laws are followed in the UK. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has the authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and impose fines on organizations that fail to comply with data protection regulations, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Other roles mentioned, such as Privacy Officer, Data Governance Authority, and Compliance Inspector, do exist within organizations and can play important parts in managing data protection, but they do not serve as the regulatory body with enforcement powers. A Privacy Officer typically oversees data protection practices within an organization, while a Data Governance Authority might refer to a broader organizational function or a hypothetical entity that deals with data governance but lacks formal regulatory power. A Compliance Inspector would be more of a role related to ensuring adherence to regulations internally rather than being a recognized regulator in the field of data protection.

Thus, the Information Commissioner is unique in its role as the UK's dedicated regulator with enforcement capabilities, making it the definitive correct choice.