UK MPs Assess 'Big Data Dilemma'

A committee of MPs is assessing whether the UK Government is doing enough to help UK businesses make the most of their big data, while looking at issues around consumer data protection and privacy.

The Science and Technology Committee has launched the inquiry to weigh up how big data opportunities can be 'opened up' for organisations, while ensuring that consumers feel their private data is being protected. The Committee is inviting written feedback from businesses and other stakeholders by 3rd September, on issues such as the perceived skills gap; how public understanding of the opportunities, implications and the skills required can be improved; and how organisations can obtain people's consent to the processing of their personal data.

Committee Chair Nicola Blackwood MP explains: 'Growth in computing power continues at a remarkable pace, bringing enormous economic and social opportunities as new public and private services are developed using 'big data' sets. But there are also growing public concerns about the collection, use and sale of personal data. Many people enjoy the benefits of big data, like quicker, more personalised digital services, but are often concerned about the way their data is used to deliver this'.

The Committee's previous report, 'Responsible Use of Data', examined social media data and was published in 2014.

Web site: www.parliament.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.