GOVERNMENT NEWS
NETWORK News Release issued by The Government News Network on 12
December 2007
Issued by the
Government News Network on behalf of the Data Sharing Review
A consultation into how personal information is used and shared
in the public and private sectors has been launched today by
Richard Thomas and Dr Mark Walport.
The consultation forms part of an independent review into the use
and sharing of personal information announced by the Prime
Minister on 25 October. It asks how and why information is shared
and used; whether the Data Protection Act offers sufficient
safeguards; what impact technological advances have had on the
protection of personal information; and whether there are lessons
the UK can learn from other countries.
The review, led by Dr Mark Walport and Richard Thomas, will
assess how personal information is used and shared by
organisations across the public and private sectors and how data
sharing policy should be developed to ensure proper transparency,
scrutiny and accountability. It will report back in the first half
of 2008.
Dr Mark Walport said:
"Access to accurate information is key to many
organisations' ability to be able to deliver services and
meet their objectives. But when using personal, private
information, the utmost care and security is required.
"The recent loss of millions of peoples' private
details serves as a stark illustration of what can happen when
this principle is not followed. This review will seek to establish
when and how personal information should be used, what safeguards
should be in place and whether the powers and sanctions available
are adequate."
Richard Thomas said:
"The review will be concentrating on information sharing.
When do public bodies, in particular, need to make use of personal
information held by others to do their job properly? Law
enforcement, child protection and more personalised services may
be examples. But we will need to assess the dangers if information
is shared too freely."
Notes to editors
1. The terms of reference of the review into the use and sharing
of personal information were announced on 23 November 2007. http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/announcement_231107a.htm
2. Copies of the consultation document and the response form are
available online at: http:http://www.justice.gov.uk/reviews/datasharing-intro.htm
3. The consultation paper seeks views from the public,
professionals involved using and sharing personal information, and
others with an interest in data sharing and protection. The
consultation seeks real life examples of data sharing, and views
on current data protection legislation and safeguards. The
consultation period runs from today until 15 February 2008.
4. Responses to this consultation will be used by Mark Walport
and Richard Thomas as part of the review's final report to
Jack Straw in the first half of 2008.
5. Richard Thomas is the Information Commissioner - the UK's
independent authority charged with promoting access to official
information and protecting personal information. Richard is
conducting this review in an independent capacity.
6. Dr Mark Walport is the Director of the Wellcome Trust. He is a
member of the Council for Science and Technology, the
Government's top-level independent advisory body on science
and technology policy issues.