We must free data and protect it

The privacy landscape is changing rapidly. The implementation of the Digital Economy Act, changes to the Data Protection Act and the explosion of social media all continue to make a big impact.

We are moving towards a truly digital society and this raises privacy concerns for all. It is no surprise that much of the privacy debate centres on cyber security, protecting data and finding new technologies to make sure it does not fall into the wrong hands. This is important but it can overshadow the imperative to free some of the useful data held by publicly funded bodies.

This is particularly the case with geo data. Maps and spatial information are used in many civic and political applications. A small revolution in mapping tools and standards is enabling business innovation and future location-based mobile services – yet bodies such as Royal Mail still charge for data that could be used in myriad innovative applications that would earn new taxes for the exchequer.

While some of this data needs to be safeguarded to protect people and their possessions, some of it needs to be opened up to create new products and services for citizens.

Both sides of the privacy coin create challenges for government. It is down to the new administration to create an environment in which we can benefit from new technology while being protected from the threat of privacy attacks.

Data controllers now have to secure vast amounts of information. According to IDC, 1,200 exabytes of digital data will be generated this year. That is the equivalent of 10 billion copies of Computing. Storing that amount of data securely requires rapid development of new technology beyond current storage solutions.

I would welcome the government’s decision to increase the fines that can be levied by the Information Commissioner’s Office for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act. But recently the government itself has been the biggest offender and if we are to build confidence in the digital society, the government must put its own house in order. It must also ensure that it bases legislation on a sound understanding of technology.

Persuading the public to engage in the digital society means effective regulation of privacy and intellectual property, but also showing the benefits of public information release in transport, planning and crime, among others.

Jonathan Raper is professor of information science at City University