Lib Dems demand data answers

10.38.00am GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

Rosalind Wright

Norwich Liberal Democrats will this week demand answers from Norwich City Council with regard to the recent high-profile data losses. The group will ask the Labour administration to guarantee that Norwich residents' personal data is being protected and not left open to fraud.

The question comes after it was revealed that the government had lost computer disks containing the personal details of 25 million people and that Norfolk Councils were still putting thousands of people at risk of identity theft.

Eaton Ward City Councillor Rosalind Wright commented "The loss of 25 million people's personal details on Government computer disks has woken many people up to the security risks of living in what is increasingly becoming a 'database state'. People's access to services often relies on their personal data being stored on a centralised computer system. We need to be confident that agencies are properly protecting our personal information. I am asking the City Council this question to ensure that this issue is fully explored."

The Liberal Democrats nationally and locally have growing concerns regarding the collection, storage and use of personal data by government bodies. The party has consistently opposed the introduction of a national identity register, and, with the latest data protection problems, is calling for the scheme to be scrapped.