The technology trade body is calling for the creation of personal data banks to protect and get the best deal for consumer information, amid claims “sharing personal data is simply not working for anyone at the moment”.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – formerly the British Computer Society – is set to take its argument to both the Conservative and Labour party conferences, as part of plans to trigger a wider debate.
The body’s director of policy David Evans said the data revolution has created a ticking timebomb. “Sharing personal data is simply not working for anyone at the moment and the problem is in danger of worsening if no immediate action is taken. We are learning to lie as consumers, and businesses are using ever-more invasive techniques to learn about us.”
He reckons that by creating an environment for a new industry of personal data management the positive social contract between businesses and consumers will be re-established, “putting an end to the war”.
The UK is uniquely placed to lead this new industry of data sharing, he added. “Individual data needs to be put under individual control in a way that will actually facilitate sharing and make a positive impact on society. In the same way banks protect our finances and facilitate our transactions we need personal data ‘banks’ which can protect and get the best deal for our data.”
Evans continued: “As we see on an almost daily basis, the threat of harm from sharing data has the potential to negatively affect consumers’ experience; this will only continue to rise with the growth of the Internet of Things which will increase the amount of data being generated.
“Information security expertise does not protect individuals from mindless behaviour on the part of others. Like it or not, choosing not to share your data means individuals are opting not to participate in society. However, if used effectively the sharing of data can ultimately benefit everyone involved.”
He concluded: “There are so many benefits to society in making data sharing work well. At the moment it feels like we either choose not to participate in modern life, or submit ourselves to corporate whims and mistakes. We need some new choices.”
