National Databases in Election Pledges Need Robust Safeguards, Says Expert

The national databases promised by both main parties come with risks of significant privacy breaches unless robust safeguards are in place, an expert has warned. In their manifestos, the Conservative Party has pledged to push ahead with its “Federated Data Platform” for the NHS, and Labour said it would build a “National Data Library” of research and public services. Subhajit Basu, professor of law and technology at the University of Leeds, said while the proposals can bring substantial benefit, they will also make it easier for the public’s data to be exposed or misused. Federated Data Platform The Tories have promised to replace outdated computers across the NHS in a bid to slash “13 million hours” lost to IT issues every year, and to digitise NHS processes through the Federated Data Platform, which is being trialled at pilot sites. ...