Consultants to thegovernment's review of data sharing practicesin the UK have called for contributions from the
public.
Prime minister Gordon Brown asked the Information Commissioner,
Richard Thomas, and the director of the Wellcome Trust, Mark
Walport to do the study. This came in the wake of a string of data
breaches last year headed by the
HM Revenue & Customs' loss of the private and banking details
of 25 million child benefit claimants.
More than 50 organisations, mostly central government
departments, have received the 28 questions the commissioners want
answered. These cover background, scope of personal information
sharing, including benefits, barriers and risks of data sharing and
data protection, legal framework, consent and transparency,
technology, and international comparisons.
"Responses are welcomed from anyone with an interest in or views
on the subject covered by this paper," they said.
The public has until 15 February to reply, preferably using the
electronic
response
form or in hard copy to Data Sharing Review, Secretariat 5.26,
Steel House, 11 Tothill Street, London SW1H 9LH.
For more details call the information line on 020 7210 0538 or
email contact@datasharingreview.gsi.gov.uk.