Hacker News: UK wants dirt on data brokers before criminals get there first

Mar 18, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/18/uk_data_broker_inquiry/
Source: Hacker News
Title: UK wants dirt on data brokers before criminals get there first

Feedly Summary: Comments

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The UK government is actively seeking input from industry experts regarding the data brokerage sector and its associated national security risks, while pushing for new data-sharing legislation. This effort highlights the significant concerns surrounding data brokers’ lax security practices and the potential threat of sensitive data being exploited by malicious actors.

Detailed Description:
– The UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) is soliciting insights into the data brokerage industry, focusing on operational and security practices.
– There is a growing concern about how data brokers collect and store vast amounts of personal data, often inadequately protected, leading to potential national security risks.
– The inquiry aims to inform policy development as the UK moves towards the Data (Use and Access) Bill (DUAB), which seeks to balance GDPR compliance with enabling smoother data sharing among organizations.
– Key points include:
– **Legislative Context**: The DUAB is intended to enhance data utilization across sectors like healthcare and science while maintaining compliance with existing regulations.
– **Role of Data Intermediaries**: Proposed data intermediaries could facilitate data sharing under ethically governed frameworks, ostensibly separating their function from that of traditional data brokers.
– **Security Concerns**: There is emphasis on the national security risks posed by data brokers, particularly regarding their ability to safeguard sensitive information from cybercriminals and hostile entities.
– **Call for Evidence**: Stakeholders have until May 12 to submit perspectives on these issues, with assurances from the government of handling sensitive information securely.
– The text underscores the risk posed by data brokers not just to individual privacy but also to national security, reinforcing the importance of effective governance, security measures, and regulatory frameworks in this domain.

This analysis is crucial for security and compliance professionals who must stay abreast of evolving policies and industry best practices, particularly regarding the management and protection of sensitive data.

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