Coronavirus: England’s test and trace programme ‘breaches data laws’, privacy campaigners say
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
Government scheme failed to conduct assessment required by GDPR law before launching.
By Jim Wyatt
England’s test and trace coronavirus programme has broken data protection laws, privacy campaigners and data protection lawyers have said.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) every project which involves people’s data must first conduct an impact assessment on privacy.
However, the Department for Health and Social Care has now admitted its flagship test and trace scheme, which involves those infected with Covid-19 passing on personal information and the details of those they have been in contact with, was launched in May without any such assessment.
The oversight was first brought to light by the digital privacy campaigners Open Rights Group (ORG).
They argue the lack of a data protection impact assessment means test and trace has been unlawful from the beginning.
“The reckless behaviour of this government in ignoring a vital and legally required safety step known as th...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
