Government is under increasing pressure from the
opposition after yet another revelation of a data breach by HM
Revenue & Customs (HMRC), which yesterday (18 December 2007)
admitted tolosing the personal details of more than 6,500
pensioners.
The HMRC recently had to admit that discs containing
25 million people's child-benefit details were missing.
The latest admission immediately followed news that a US
outsourcing company working for the Transport Ministry had lost
computer discs containing the details of
three million learner drivers.
As a result, the Conservative Party has asked the European
Commission to investigate whether the government is in breach of
any of its obligations under EU Data Protection Directives.
"The data protection directives impose serious obligations on
the government to safeguard personal information," said Shadow
Transport Secretary, Theresa Villiers.
However, data protection legal experts said opposition
complaints were not likely to result in any direct action or
sanctions against the UK government by the European Commission.
"The EC view is likely to be that it is a matter for the UK
Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas," said Paula Barrett,
partner and head of data protection at law firm Eversheds.
She said it would be more effective in terms of holding the
government responsible to call for an investigation in terms of UK
law.
"Going to the European Commission is more of an embarrassment
tactic," said Barrett.