News

IT for government and public sector

June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19
Operational technology security improving, but attack surface continues to grow

Critical national infrastructure providers and others are improving cyber security capabilities around industrial control systems, but the cyber threat remains high and continues to evolve, a study shows
June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19
Culture secretary Wright hails Tech Nation AI growth programme at CogX

Jeremy Wright, DCMS secretary of state, urges artificial intelligence tech firm founders to step forward for Tech Nation’s Applied AI growth programme, while McKinsey offers qualified endorsement of UK AI optimism
June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19
From oil crash to tech startup boom in Norway

For countries highly dependent on oil, the global price crash had huge potential ramifications – one of which, in Norway, was the development of a thriving technology sector
June 12, 2019 12 Jun'19
Government’s national Innovation Strategy launches

The long-awaited Innovation Strategy document includes evolving use of data, eradicating legacy and seconding senior tech staff to the private sector

June 11, 2019 11 Jun'19
Government increases efforts to drive Verify uptake

Renewed push to create a ubiquitous digital identity market will include a consultation with the private sector and the creation of a dedicated unit
June 11, 2019 11 Jun'19
London Office of Technology and Innovation launches in ‘willing and able’ local authorities

The LOTI coalition of local authorities kicks off to speed up the adoption of new technologies and approaches within local authorities
June 11, 2019 11 Jun'19
MP brands Huawei exec a ‘moral vacuum’ as operators demand 5G clarity

Huawei chief security officer John Suffolk faces tough questions from parliament’s Science and Technology Select Committee over the firm’s links to the Chinese government
June 11, 2019 11 Jun'19
Tech firms back UK in spite of Brexit

Theresa May announces funding to boost development of quantum technologies, as well as a tech competitiveness study, as sector companies pledge to invest further in the country
June 10, 2019 10 Jun'19
UK invests £18.5m to boost diversity in artificial intelligence

Funding for artificial intelligence will go towards conversion degrees, scholarships for under-represented groups and online learning in the UK
June 10, 2019 10 Jun'19
UK should be much further ahead in AI, says London mayor

Sadiq Khan calls on the next prime minister to prioritise preparations around the potential impact of artificial intelligence

June 07, 2019 07 Jun'19
Public opposes exploitation of NHS data by large tech companies

Following the US presidential visit to the UK, a YouGov survey found citizens are largely against use of patient information by international tech firms and want benefits focused on the UK
June 07, 2019 07 Jun'19
NotPetya offers industry-wide lessons, says Maersk’s tech chief

There are several key industry-wide lessons to be learned from the NotPetya attack in 2017, according to the information chief at one of the companies most heavily impacted
June 07, 2019 07 Jun'19
NHS England extends funding for new innovation projects

3D heart modelling and an advanced blood test to reduce heart attack diagnostic timescales are among the additional projects that will be offered to more patients
June 07, 2019 07 Jun'19
Edtech in the Nordics offers students alternative learning journeys

Pioneering attitude to technology innovation across business and society lends itself to adoption in education across the region
June 07, 2019 07 Jun'19
Ofcom confirms broadband USO to be introduced in March 2020

BT and Kcom will begin to provide broadband services under the government’s USO scheme from 20 March 2020
June 06, 2019 06 Jun'19
NHS to provide funds to reward use of AI in health service

Incentives will be given from April 2020, says NHS England chief executive
June 06, 2019 06 Jun'19
Tech sector appeals to future prime minister

Trade body TechUK has urged Conservative leadership candidates to support the national digital industry and warned about the risks of a no-deal Brexit to sector businesses
June 06, 2019 06 Jun'19
Half of CFOs frustrated by complex accounting systems

Chief financial officers need to upgrade to easier-to-use accounting systems, but are strapped for time and lack the resources to make the right choices, according to survey
June 06, 2019 06 Jun'19
One in five digital transformation projects fail

Concerns around the selection of the right technology and Brexit uncertainty are among the main stumbling blocks, a new survey says
June 05, 2019 05 Jun'19
National Cyber Security Strategy mostly failing, says PAC report

The Cabinet Office is on track to deliver only one objective of the 12 outcomes initially established in the National Cyber Security Strategy, with value to taxpayers still unclear
June 05, 2019 05 Jun'19
Uncritical use of algorithms in justice can undermine public trust and individual rights

A Law Society report has raised concerns about the use of algorithmic systems in decision making in the criminal justice system
June 04, 2019 04 Jun'19
NHSX urged to rethink national policy to enable healthcare digitisation

Better approaches to governance and skills as well as more realistic expectations around the digital readiness of organisations are needed, according to think tank research
June 03, 2019 03 Jun'19
NHSX chief to limit future NHS App enhancements

Matthew Gould doesn’t want the health service’s flagship mobile tool to be “all-singing and all-dancing”
June 03, 2019 03 Jun'19
Nordics block European Commission tech tax levy to protect digital investment

The Nordic EU countries have formed a powerful voice against the European Commission’s plans on digital service tax.
June 03, 2019 03 Jun'19
Free Wi-Fi to cover entire NHS estate in 2019

Nearly all trusts and clinical commissioning groups across England are now equipped with NHS Wi-Fi and the rest will be fully connected this year, says NHS Digital
May 31, 2019 31 May'19
Facebook loses bid to halt European court decision on EU-US data sharing

Irish Supreme Court dismisses attempt by Facebook to prevent the European Court of Justice considering the validity of US-EU data transfers, after Austrian lawyer Max Schrems argued that they put the privacy of EU citizens at risk
May 31, 2019 31 May'19
Migration Advisory Committee calls for expansion of non-EU skilled work visas

As Brexit uncertainty increases, the Migration Advisory Committee has suggested adding more skilled roles to the Shortage Occupations List
May 31, 2019 31 May'19
Slowing smart meter roll-out puts 2020 deadline at risk

The smart meter installation rate is slowing, and with 18 months until the December 2020 deadline, achieving the Smart Meter Programme’s aims now looks very unlikely
May 31, 2019 31 May'19
How AI helps protect Japan’s road system from subsidence

Tokyo-based Kawasaki Geological Engineering is using Fujitsu’s Zinrai artificial intelligence system to develop a solution to erosion causing subsidence and sinkholes on Japan’s road network
May 31, 2019 31 May'19
GCHQ urged to abandon plans to access encrypted chats

Tech companies and security and policy experts are calling for more dialogue with GCHQ on encryption, urging it to ditch its proposal for eavesdropping on encrypted chats
May 30, 2019 30 May'19
Red flags missed during ESN planning process, Home Office admits

The PAC’s latest evidence-gathering session for its inquiry into the delayed and over-budget Emergency Services Network has laid bare a number of crucial errors made over the past few years, and found the Home Office missed a number of warning signs
May 30, 2019 30 May'19
Danish government launches national AI strategy

Strategy aims to capitalise on investment in artificial intelligence technologies to enhance Denmark’s societal advancement and give business and industry a competitive edge
May 29, 2019 29 May'19
Hackers targeting UK universities a threat to national security

Poorly defended UK university research that is mainly commissioned by government is a top target for hackers, putting national security at risk, a study reveals, underlining the need for better cyber security
May 29, 2019 29 May'19
FoI requests reveal slow but steady adoption of cloud-first stance in UK police forces

Intercity Technology's freedom of information (FoI) request-led poll of UK police forces and their use of technology shines a light on how the sector's attitudes towards cloud and digital transformation are changing
May 29, 2019 29 May'19
Turla APT group beefs up cyber attack tool

An advanced persistent threat cyber espionage group has improved its tools to attack diplomatic targets, making their activities more difficult to detect and block
May 28, 2019 28 May'19
Swedes need to keep a week’s cash under the bed

The Swedish population is being advised to keep enough cash at home to last a week in case of problems such as online banking crashes
May 28, 2019 28 May'19
NHS Digital sets out Internet First policy

NHS Digital is soliciting input to its Internet First policy, a set of standards and guidelines to help health and social care organisations make digital services accessible over the internet
May 24, 2019 24 May'19
London Office for Technology and Innovation gets ready to launch

New organisation will officially begin its activities in June and has appointed Nesta’s former government chief as director
May 24, 2019 24 May'19
GDPR: Are we there yet?

A full year since the General Data Protection Regulation was implemented, there has not been the severe punitive action expected by many and personal data breaches continue to happen, leaving many wondering if any progress has been made
May 24, 2019 24 May'19
NHS Digital launches GP IT Futures tender

New framework aims to simplify IT provision for surgeries and create a competitive systems marketplace for primary care
May 24, 2019 24 May'19
Effect of GDPR yet to be felt, says law firm Hogan Lovells

Despite the fact that the GDPR has been in full effect for a year, the true effect of the regulation is yet to be felt and organisations should ensure they keep their eye on the ball, says leading privacy law firm
May 24, 2019 24 May'19
No real change a year into GDPR, says privacy expert

A year after the GDPR compliance deadline, many organisations still have a lot of work to do to make real changes and shift focus away from fines to business value and gain, says PwC’s GDPR and data protection lead
May 24, 2019 24 May'19
Post Office told to pay over £5m of its opponent’s costs for first Horizon trial

The judge in the Post Office Horizon trial has ordered the organisation to pay the legal costs of its courtroom adversaries, and refused to give permission to appeal a major judgment
May 23, 2019 23 May'19
Interview: How Croydon is applying GDS lessons to digital service delivery

The first chief digital officer at one of London’s largest boroughs talks about plans to transform user experience, procurement and cultural perceptions
May 23, 2019 23 May'19
Guy's & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust to drive £175m IT systems revamp

Hospital trust Guy's & St Thomas is looking to procure a single electronic health record system, with the option to include two other trusts.
May 23, 2019 23 May'19
Crown Commercial Service to procure £360m online benefits system

Procurement agency wants new platform to become a one-stop shop for employee benefits across government
May 23, 2019 23 May'19
Police shut down Bestmixer bitcoin laundering service

The Bestmixer cryptocurrency laundering service has been shut down by Dutch anti-fraud police with support from Europol after a tip off by cyber security researchers at McAfee, significantly disrupting cyber criminal money flows
May 22, 2019 22 May'19
HMRC's defence of IR35 online status checker tool likened to 'climate change denial'

In an open letter addressed to chancellor Philip Hammond and HMRC's CEO Jon Thompson, the tax collection agency's defence of its IR35 online status checker tool, CEST, is likened to climate change denial, as calls grow for it to be scrapped
May 21, 2019 21 May'19
Sheffield’s network-of-networks goes beyond free Wi-Fi

For the city of Sheffield, rolling out a free-to-use city Wi-Fi network has become about much more than just letting shoppers browse the internet. We find out more
May 21, 2019 21 May'19
GDS to ‘cajole’ departments into using voice-based services

The vision of GDS director-general Kevin Cunnington is to get governments to roll out voice technology into major services by 2027
May 21, 2019 21 May'19
Capita’s NHS contract under review after patient records blunder

Outsourcer’s health service deal in doubt following the latest in a “litany of failings”, with 160,000 patient records being wrongly archived
May 21, 2019 21 May'19
UC Expo 2019: Experts talk up future tech in unified communications

Automation and AI are increasingly prevalent in unified comms, but do enterprises really need it?
May 21, 2019 21 May'19
Planned UK age verification checks risky for internet users

Proposed controversial online age verification checks could increase the risk of identity theft and other cyber crimes, warn security experts, who advise parents to set technological boundaries and ensure their families are aware of risks
May 21, 2019 21 May'19
Cyber security scholarships on offer in Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast is backing the cyber security sector with funding for master of science scholarships
May 20, 2019 20 May'19
UK leads in government AI readiness

The UK is one of the best placed in the world to take advantage of related technologies for public service delivery, according to a study
May 20, 2019 20 May'19
London council trials Verify-based digital ID scheme for vulnerable citizens

Programme under way at Tower Hamlets will allow residents to build a digital footprint and get better access to council services
May 20, 2019 20 May'19
DCMS shakes up BDUK with new rural full-fibre scheme

The Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme will run for two years, trialling a new model for full-fibre broadband delivery – meanwhile, BDUK is getting a new name
May 20, 2019 20 May'19
Post Office applies to appeal damning judgment in first Horizon trial

The Post Office has applied for permission to appeal judgments from the first trial in its IT-related legal battle with subpostmasters
May 17, 2019 17 May'19
École Hôtelière de Lausanne puts Amelia the robot at its core

When Switzerland-based hospitality school EHL began to automate processes, it was met with staff inertia, but that all changed after its benefits became clear
May 17, 2019 17 May'19
Government digital leaders to receive salary boost

The Cabinet Office revealed plans to increase the pay of some senior roles in an effort to compete with the industry
May 17, 2019 17 May'19
Identity custodians needed in digital era

Digital identity systems will fail if they do not take humans into account, warns identity innovator, suggesting that a ‘digital guardian’ could help overcome most of these challenges
May 17, 2019 17 May'19
GozNym bust underlines cyber crime threat

A criminal network using GozNym malware has been shut down in an international law enforcement operation, but others are still operating, underlining the need for vigilance, warns a security expert
May 16, 2019 16 May'19
Fujitsu sets out to restore trust in technology

Trust in technology, how to recapture it, and how to ensure AI doesn’t overstep its bounds were the big messages on the opening day of Fujitsu Forum in Tokyo
May 15, 2019 15 May'19
UK government boosts AI Council with new appointments

New recruits come from online-only retailer Ocado, the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information, and the Alan Turing Institute
May 15, 2019 15 May'19
UK pensions trust launches £1.5bn tender for digital services delivery

The National Employment Savings Trust wants its new supplier to build innovations such as data analytics to services provided via digital channels
May 14, 2019 14 May'19
Footasylum steps up artificial intelligence to drive customer centricity

Retailer Footasylum is placing its bets on cloud-based emergent technologies to accelerate automation and personalisation across the business
May 14, 2019 14 May'19
Public sector outsourcing spend plummets

Private sector outsourcing dominated spending in the UK during the first quarter of 2019
May 14, 2019 14 May'19
Network Rail appoints Aidan Hancock as IT chief

Former BP technology chief Aidan Hancock joins the rail company to lead its digital transformation efforts
May 14, 2019 14 May'19
Electronic ID in the Nordics – a model for other countries?

Use of electronic identity schemes in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark is far ahead of other countries – but why?
May 14, 2019 14 May'19
Councils urged to support 5G readiness

Local authorities must do more to facilitate the roll-out of next-generation mobile connectivity, study finds
May 13, 2019 13 May'19
National Crime Agency calls for additional funding to tackle 21st century crime

Organised criminal gangs represent the biggest cyber threat to the UK, and law enforcement has identified rogue servers hosted in the UK
May 13, 2019 13 May'19
HSBC hires Ian Bromwich as UK CIO

New incumbent Ian Bromwich joins HSBC from Lloyds Banking Group
May 13, 2019 13 May'19
Security standard for surveillance cameras set for launch

A long-overdue cyber security standard for the manufacturer of surveillance cameras is on track for an official launch in June
May 13, 2019 13 May'19
Health screening IT unfit for purpose since 2011

National health bodies do not have full visibility of all the patients who need screenings, and a replacement system faces further delay, a new PAC report has found
May 13, 2019 13 May'19
More power for NHSX chief as top health service IT executive steps down

Operations director at NHS England Matthew Swindells has handed over his IT duties to the chief executive at the new digital unit, Matthew Gould
May 13, 2019 13 May'19
Court of Appeal judge rejects Post Office request in Horizon IT case

The Court of Appeal has refused the Post Office’s application to appeal a major decision in the Horizon IT trial
May 10, 2019 10 May'19
Government hints at biometric regulations

Immigration minister says options are being considered around governance and oversight of biometric technologies use
May 10, 2019 10 May'19
Dutch businesses not yet implementing NIS Directive

Little urgency to comply with the Network and Information Systems Security Act, which seeks to protect the Netherlands’ vital infrastructure and digital services from cyber attack
May 10, 2019 10 May'19
Home Office seeks immigration technology head

The Home Office is looking for a suitable candidate to fill its newly created high-profile IT role, which will cover Brexit-related requirements around immigration technology
May 09, 2019 09 May'19
Home Office failing on Emergency Services Network, says NAO

The delayed Emergency Services Network is slipping further behind schedule and is getting more expensive all the time – and the Home Office’s management of the project is to blame, says the National Audit Office
May 09, 2019 09 May'19
NHS Digital starts on multi-cloud push with VMware Cloud on AWS deployment

NHS Digital has adopted a cloud-first strategy to ensure it has the correct infrastructure in place to support the online delivery needs of its service users
May 09, 2019 09 May'19
Northern Ireland generating cyber security knowledge and jobs

Northern Ireland is establishing itself as an international hub of cyber security research and innovation, providing growing employment opportunities
May 08, 2019 08 May'19
Government 'cloud-first' policy under review by CCS and GDS

Longstanding cloud-first policy set to be replaced by more "appropriate" guidance to reflect public sector's changing technology deployment habits, CCS confirms
May 08, 2019 08 May'19
MP sets out concerns over GP at Hand software

Concerns raised over the robustness and breadth of the software underpinning Babylon Health’s app amid calls for an inquiry into the tool
May 08, 2019 08 May'19
Gov.uk Verify has 'failed users' and its leaders lack accountability, say MPs

Public Accounts Committee slams government's flagship digital identity service after a ‘catalogue of problems’
May 08, 2019 08 May'19
Time to start thinking about AI regulation, says KuppingerCole

Organisations and individuals should think about regulating artificial intelligence to avoid sleepwalking into a future regulated by these technologies, says analyst
May 07, 2019 07 May'19
Highways England trials self-driving trucks for roadworks

A pilot is aimed at reducing project timescales and increasing worker safety, though vehicles are expected to take another two to three years to be fully operating
May 07, 2019 07 May'19
Technical error on Capita system puts Barnet council staff out of pocket

A system error that led to Barnet council staff being incorrectly paid is the latest complaint about a back-office outsourcing contract with Capita
May 07, 2019 07 May'19
Greater Manchester invites bidders for public sector broadband

£32m tender request will enable ultrafast full-fibre connectivity to more than 1,300 public sector sites in Greater Manchester
May 07, 2019 07 May'19
Tech manifesto calls on health secretary to ‘get basics right’

Royal College of GPs says joining up IT systems is essential to enable innovation
May 07, 2019 07 May'19
Swedish government tells citizens to hoard cash in case of cyber attack

Civil Contingencies Agency says cash is needed in case of emergencies such as technology failures and cyber attacks
May 07, 2019 07 May'19
HMRC begins deleting unlawful voice biometric data

HM Revenue and Customs is to forge ahead with Voice ID despite beginning to delete the largest state-held voice biometric database gathered without consent after UK privacy and data protection watchdog issues order
May 03, 2019 03 May'19
Labour calls for creation of ministry for cyber security

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Jo Platt accuses government of failing to provide leadership to fend off cyber risks
May 03, 2019 03 May'19
Police down two dark web markets

Europol-supported coordinated law enforcement approach across Europe and the US was key to operations’ success
May 02, 2019 02 May'19
Lloyd’s of London unveils digital ambitions

Reforms will include a split into two automated exchanges, which is expected to boost performance and savings while reducing cost of services to customers
May 02, 2019 02 May'19
Department of Health enhances medical innovation programme

The Accelerated Access Collaborative initiative is expected to fast-track pioneering treatments and produce multimillion-pound savings to the NHS
May 02, 2019 02 May'19
PA Consulting announces 2019 winners of Raspberry Pi Competition

Consulting brand focused on innovation and business transformation has announced the winners of its 2019 coding competition run in partnership with Raspberry Pi
May 02, 2019 02 May'19
Boots appoints former NHS IT executive as director of innovation

Retailer Boots has enlisted Richard Corbridge, former chief digital and information officer for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, to support its digital transformation initiatives
May 02, 2019 02 May'19
Defence secretary sacked over Huawei leak

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson has been sacked after leaking confidential discussions over the use of Huawei networking equipment
May 01, 2019 01 May'19
Department of Health pushes online regulation agenda

Tech giants commit to initiative to remove harmful content from their websites but MPs call for further changes in algorithms