WGPlus (Archive)

Some of us remember when ‘electoral data’ was a combination of paper copies of the electoral roll and ‘door knocking research’

In March 2017 the ICO announced they were conducting an assessment of the data protection risks arising from the use of data analytics, including for political purposes.

Given the big data revolution it is understandable that political campaigns are exploring the potential of advanced data analysis tools to help win votes.  This is a complex & rapidly evolving area of activity and the level of awareness among the public about how data analytics works, and how their personal data is collected, shared & used through such tools, is low.  

What is clear is that these tools have a significant potential impact on individuals’ privacy.  It is important that there is greater & genuine transparency about the use of such techniques to ensure that people have control over their own data and the law is upheld.  Having considered the evidence the ICO has already gathered, a formal investigation into the use of data analytics for political purposes has been opened.
Researched Links:

ICO opens a formal investigation into the use of data analytics for political purposes

techUK:  ICO Announces Investigation into Use of Data Analytics for Political Purposes

ICO warns political groups to campaign within the law

Matillion:  The Data behind Democracy: Analytics and the 2015 General Election

The Guardian:  Forget the manifesto: big data will win future elections

Leave versus Remain: the digital battle – EU Referendum Analysis 2016

techUK Welcomes ICO Discussion Paper on Big Data and AI

Data at the Heart of the UK Digital Strategy

Information - The King of Modern War!

FRC: UK audit firms can do more to support roll-out of leading-edge data analytic techniques

UK’s first data analytics apprentices arrive at ONS

New research raises the commercial value of big data

Mayor, whatever you want to do, data can help you do it better

Bringing Big Data to life at the first Big Data in Action Roadshow

Hartree Centre Summer Schools 2016 will address big data skills shortage

Big Data and IoT worth £322bn to the UK by 2020

How can government make use of data to drive better public services?

PX:  Teams of ‘data geeks’ key to the success of city devolution

Variation on a familiar theme

Unisys:  Government Data is Under Siege: Latest Industry Insight on Challenges Facing Public Sector

Latest Research Paper: Your Quick Guide to Seizing the Information Advantage

Free, Secure, Compliant UK Public Sector IT Recycling Service