• Previous article
• Next article

Information sharing to be easier

Tuesday 25th November 2008 at 14:39

Government departments will be able to share information without any new legislation, ministers have announced.

The proposal for a “data sharing gateway” is contained in a document that also sets out how the information commissioner’s powers should be strengthened.

In a written statement, justice secretary Jack Straw said the new rules would "permit or require the sharing of personal information between persons or bodies, so long as a robust case can be made to use that power".

It will be used to “simplify the data protection framework and remove any unnecessary obstacles to data sharing”, he added.

But any reckless or deliberate losses of data will leave departments and agencies open to be fined by the information commissioner Richard Thomas.

He will also be able carry out spot checks on public bodies to ensure they are following the rules.

Straw said: “As new technologies have developed, the secure storage and careful sharing of personal information held by both the public and private sectors has become paramount.

“Strong regulation and clear guidance is essential if we are to ensure the effective protection of personal data.”

He said the moves were “very important if we are to regain public confidence in the handling and sharing of personal information.”

Deputy information commissioner David Smith welcomed the rule changes, but added that: “We would have preferred to have this power to undertake audits extended to private sector organisations as well.”

The decision to allow departments to share information and data more freely has worried campaign groups such as Liberty and opposition parties.

Shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert said: “We are concerned about the proposed power for ministers to allow or require data sharing, and we will want to examine this carefully.

“Repeated breaches have demonstrated that the government cannot look after personal data. The public must be confident that it is necessary to share data between public services and that where this happens personal information is being handled properly.”

But a Ministry of Justice spokesman said there would be safeguards included in the process, which would require the support of the Information Commissioner.

“Sharing data is essential for the delivery of efficient and effective joined-up public services, tackling crime and protecting the public,” he said.