IT for government and public sector

DWP looks to extend digital identity capabilities

Department for Work and Pensions wants to reduce reliance on existing identity assurance methods such as Gov.UK Verify and face-to-face Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

NHSX ends digital programmes and sets out delivery priorities

The digital unit concludes tech spending review in the health system, defines delivery missions and drives focus on standards and platforms Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Nordic public dispels fears over AI and welcomes its advance

People in the Nordic countries are more welcoming and less fearful of the advance of artificial intelligence than those in other regions Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Six arrested over €24m cryptocurrency theft

Police have arrested six people in the UK and the Netherlands in connection with the theft of cryptocurrency worth €24m Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

How facial recognition technology threatens basic privacy rights

As adoption of facial recognition systems continues to grow worldwide, there is increasing concern that this technology could undermine fundamental privacy rights and how it can be kept in check Continue Reading

By

• Nicholas Fearn

Half of Dutch IT decision-makers can’t explain blockchain technology

IT decision-makers in the Netherlands know that blockchain has significant benefits, but half don’t understand how to apply it Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

Outdated IT systems are hindering patient care

Lack of modernisation is presenting a threat to patients and healthcare practitioners, says study Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

APT attack on telcos highlights need for comprehensive defence

A global cyber attack against multiple telecommunications firms underlines need for comprehensive approach to cyber defence, say researchers and industry commentators Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Post Office appoints new chief information officer

Former Holland & Barrett IT chief joins the Post Office as interim CIO after former incumbent is promoted Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload – Episode 21

In this week’s episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, Brian McKenna, Clare McDonald and Caroline Donnelly are joined by Computer Weekly’s acting management editor, Angelica Mari, to talk about some of the past week’s biggest news stories Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Airbus opens cyber innovation hub in Wales

Newport hub will focus on industrial control systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Scotland ‘needs stronger digital leadership’

Despite some good progress, Scotland needs greater strategic direction to further its digital endeavours, says central auditor Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

European and UK space agencies start CAV connectivity project

Academia and telecoms operators partner to investigate 5G and satellite systems for connected and autonomous vehicles, with proofs of concept expected for 2020 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Ministry of Defence appoints chief scientific adviser

The first female to hold the role, professor dame Angela McLean will direct the department's core research programme and advise on all science and technology matters Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK takes world lead in surveillance camera security

Although the UK is sometimes referred to as “the most surveilled country” in the world, it has taken the lead in setting minimum security requirements for surveillance cameras. But how will this make a difference internationally? Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Government must address shortcomings to make data strategy work

A National Audit Office report outlines the challenges that need to be investigated around making more effective use of data in citizen service delivery and government operations Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Surveillance camera czar calls for stronger UK code of practice

Surveillance cameras are for supporting communities, not spying on them, but the UK needs stronger regulation and citizen engagement in this area, says surveillance camera commissioner Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK citizens call for diversity in AI to be addressed

Public wants government and tech companies to tackle diversity issues related to the application of artificial intelligence, a study has found Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Online porn age-verification checks delayed for six months

Changes to force UK internet users to prove their age to access adult content are postponed for a third time because of failure to notify the European Commission of key policy details Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK to launch security standard for surveillance cameras

The UK is launching the world’s first voluntary cyber security standard and compliance certification mark for the manufacturers of surveillance cameras Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Women in IT trailblazer Maggie Berry gets OBE

Early pioneer of networking who aimed to get more women into technology is included in Queen's Birthday Honours Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Looming private sector IR35 reforms prompts calls for gig economy-focused tax system overhaul

The growth of the gig-based economy has exposed weaknesses in the UK tax system – exacerbated by the IR35 reforms – that mean an overhaul is needed, panel claims Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Oxford University accepts £150m for artificial intelligence research

Oxford University has accepted £150m to build a new humanities hub that will include a centre for artificial intelligence ethics research from Stephen Schwarzman, a US private equity boss Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

UK government pushes data-driven agenda

A smart data report has been published with consultations under way, while an open call for evidence has been launched to help shape the national data plan Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Regional alliances boost Nordic AI industry

Universities and technology businesses in Nordic countries are working cross-border as part of two pan-Nordic organisations Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Interview: How Hackney Council will help accelerate innovation across London boroughs

Hackney Council’s director of ICT, Rob Miller, talks to Computer Weekly about how one of the most digitally advanced local authorities plans to collaborate with counterparts across the capital to revamp public services delivery Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

University graduates to Rubrik backup appliance with Azure cloud

University of Reading could only back up 20% of its data on an ageing tape library, so it modernised with a Rubrik appliance and Azure cloud storage in a cost-neutral project Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

Luxembourg tech startups get premium connections

Luxembourg is at the centre of a continent with ambitious plans to develop a thriving tech industry, but what makes it different? Continue Reading

By

• Richard Edwards, Freeform Dynamics

GDS director general to move on to global promotion role

Kevin Cunnington will be travelling around the world to promote government services under a newly created unit Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Ministry of Justice publishes public cloud security baseline

Guidelines from the Ministry of Justice aim to avoid potential cloud security issues such as S3 ‘leaky buckets’ Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Openreach trials will speed up broadband upgrade

Tests to focus on process of migrating households and businesses to fibre to the premise and voice over IP Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

UK to host world’s first surveillance camera day

The UK is to host the world’s first surveillance camera day to raise awareness about surveillance cameras and generate a debate about how they are used Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Post Office asks Court of Appeal for permission to appeal judgment in first Horizon trial

The Post Office has applied to the Court of Appeal to appeal judgment in Horizon trial Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Transport for London supports innovation to tackle road congestion

The London RoadLab programme has selected products using emergent technologies to alleviate problems caused by roadworks Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Department of Health aims to drive change through tech innovation

Revamped Accelerated Access Collaborative is intended to “genuinely drive change” in NHS by identifying the best in healthtech, aligning policy and establishing testing mechanisms Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

HMRC urged to delay April 2020 extension of IR35 rules to private sector by 'at least' 12 months

An analysis of the responses HMRC has reportedly received to its consultation on extending the IR35 tax avoidance reforms to the private sector suggests the tax agency is coming under pressure to put its plans on hold for at least 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

UK Armed Forces seeks digital recruitment platform provider

The UK's Armed Forces has gone to market to procure a new digital recruitment platform, to be implemented by March 2022 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Government reviews regulation to enable tech innovation

The government reforms are aimed at ensuring that regulations keep up with technological change Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Innovation drives Nominet to cyber security

Embracing an innovation strategy for a mature organisation led domain name registry Nominet to found a cyber security business based on its core expertise, its CEO tells London Tech Week Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Collaboration is key to digital success in public safety

Multi-agency engagement has a significant potential to boost the digital delivery of citizen safety services, says report Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK tech visa application numbers rise for the fifth year in a row, Tech Nation confirms

Data from visa endorsement body Tech Nation reveals 45% year on year jump in tech visa applications, with India and the US emerging as the two major sources of candidates Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Digital chief at Department for Work and Pensions gets extension

Acting chief digital information officer Simon McKinnon will stay in the role until 2020, since a successor for Mayank Prakash has yet to be found Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

NHSX chief replaces senior digital clinician at NHS Digital

Matthew Gould takes over board seat from chief clinical information officer Simon Eccles Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Rise in business-led IT spend increases risks and opportunities

Digitally leading businesses benefit from faster time to market, better employee experience and improved finances, but lack of partnership between CIOs and business units can jeopardise progress, says Harvey Nash / KPMG survey Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Staff

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Why the rise of IT managed by the business is driving creative thinking

Organisations that encourage business units to implement and run their own IT systems have an edge over competitors that rely entirely on the IT department, research from Harvey Nash and KPMG reveals Continue Reading

By

• Steve Bates, KPMG

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

The UK must play a leading role in global collaboration on digital policy and ethics

All countries must work together to ensure digital technologies such as AI are ethical and trustworthy – and the UK has an opportunity to be a global leader Continue Reading

By

• Julian David, TechUK

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

‘A breath of fresh air’ for Gov.uk Verify?

Three months ago, the Government Digital Service (GDS) appointed the first ever director of digital identity, Lisa Barrett – tasked with taking on the troubled Gov.uk Verify programme. Barrett ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Staff

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NHS to provide funds to reward use of AI in health service

Incentives will be given from April 2020, says NHS England chief executive Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Collaboration between local public services and industry is key to innovation

The launch of the new London Office for Technology and Innovation is an opportunity to examine how industry and government can work together better to improve local innovation Continue Reading

By

• Julian David, TechUK

Does NHS Digital’s Internet First policy mean the end of HSCN?

Last week, NHS Digital issued new policy guidance on internet usage that, at first glance, appeared to herald the end of HSCN – but is that really the case? Continue Reading

By

• Mike Thomas, Innopsis

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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” Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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. Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

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 Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O’Dwyer

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Jane Hamrin

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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. Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

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 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

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 Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

What the UK can learn from the Nordics when it comes to digital ID

The UK and other countries can learn from the Nordic region when it comes to digital identity Continue Reading

By

• John Erik Setsaas

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 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari