20 April 2007
Whitehall should do more to protect personal data, according to a survey.
Research conducted by Ipsos Mori has found that 58% of the population want 'government departments, alongside banks and building societies, taking a greater responsibility for the protection of personal data'.
The research also found a growing demand for clearer communication of data breaches. This follows a spate of recent thefts, including civil servants' payroll details and the security breach of customers' finance details at retailer TK Maxx, which took some time to emerge.
The study, published on April 18, also showed concern by 45% of respondents over the safety of NHS medical records.
Technology firm Secerno, which commissioned the research, concluded that: 'There is clearly a requirement for the issue of high-profile data breaches to be addressed on a political level.'
Paul Davie, Secerno's chief executive, said: 'There is an obvious need for government action to rebuild public confidence… and a new legal framework is needed in Europe to force disclosure of breaches.'
PFapr2007
