This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7168588.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Tougher data laws needed, say MPs Tougher data laws needed, say MPs
(20 minutes later)
Reckless or repeated breaches of data security should become a criminal offence, a committee of MPs has said.Reckless or repeated breaches of data security should become a criminal offence, a committee of MPs has said.
Currently, government departments cannot be held criminally responsible for data protection breaches.Currently, government departments cannot be held criminally responsible for data protection breaches.
But in a report on the "truly shocking" loss of 25m people's personal details by HM Revenue and Customs, the Commons justice committee demands tougher laws.But in a report on the "truly shocking" loss of 25m people's personal details by HM Revenue and Customs, the Commons justice committee demands tougher laws.
The MPs said there was a "widespread problem" and "systemic failings" in the government's handling of personal data.The MPs said there was a "widespread problem" and "systemic failings" in the government's handling of personal data.
It is frankly incredible, for example, that the measures HMRC has put in place were not already standard procedure Alan BeithIt is frankly incredible, for example, that the measures HMRC has put in place were not already standard procedure Alan Beith
The committee's Liberal Democrat chairman Alan Beith said: "The scale of the data loss by government bodies and contractors is truly shocking but the evidence we have had points to further hidden problems.The committee's Liberal Democrat chairman Alan Beith said: "The scale of the data loss by government bodies and contractors is truly shocking but the evidence we have had points to further hidden problems.
"It is frankly incredible, for example, that the measures HMRC has put in place were not already standard procedure.""It is frankly incredible, for example, that the measures HMRC has put in place were not already standard procedure."
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said Information Commissioner Richard Thomas, who gave evidence to the select committee, was warning of more personal data loss cases "in the pipeline".Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said Information Commissioner Richard Thomas, who gave evidence to the select committee, was warning of more personal data loss cases "in the pipeline".
Criminal valueCriminal value
"(Whitehall) departments are coming to him on almost a confessional basis, quite rightly, to report that they too have got problems.""(Whitehall) departments are coming to him on almost a confessional basis, quite rightly, to report that they too have got problems."
Mr Beith added: "It's a very serious situation and it impairs the proper use of data which is often very important both to individuals and in areas like child protection and dealing with criminal behaviour." Mr Beith added: "It's a very serious situation and it impairs the proper use of data, which is often very important both to individuals and in areas like child protection and dealing with criminal behaviour."
But proper data protection was still not routine, he warned, despite its "potentially immense value" among criminals. Proper data protection was still not routine, he warned, despite its "potentially immense value" among criminals.
Lost discs Parliament is currently considering proposals to amend section 60 of the Data Protection Act through the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill Ministry of Justice spokeswoman
The report follows the loss of the Child Benefit data on two discs sent unencrypted by HMRC in the North East to the National Audit Office in London. The report follows the loss of child benefit data on two discs sent unencrypted by HMRC in north east England to the National Audit Office in London.
Further data losses have emerged as a result of investigations into how Whitehall handles people's details.Further data losses have emerged as a result of investigations into how Whitehall handles people's details.
As well as the new criminal laws, the committee wants stronger enforcement powers and better resources for the information commissioner. As well as new criminal laws, the committee wants stronger enforcement powers and better resources for the information commissioner.
It also called for a legal obligation to report significant data losses to those affected and the commissioner. 'Proper policing'
Members said the need for a "proper approach" to data handling is even more important given the proposed database of every child in the UK with their details available to "many thousands or people" - and the proposed identity card scheme. It also called for a legal obligation to report significant data losses to those affected and to the commissioner.
The MPs also say moves to allow other EU member states access to data held in the UK on UK citizens means "the importance of restricting the amount of data held, as well as proper policing of who had access to it takes on even greater importance". And MPs said the need for a "proper approach" to data handling was even more important given the proposed database of every child in the UK, the proposed identity card scheme and moves to allow other EU member states access to data held in the UK on UK citizens.
The prime minister and chancellor apologised over the data loss row last month and an inquiry is under way, alongside a police investigation.The prime minister and chancellor apologised over the data loss row last month and an inquiry is under way, alongside a police investigation.
Millions of families were told to be on the alert for fraudulent use of their details, which include children's names, addresses, dates of birth and National Insurance and bank details. Millions of families were told to be on the alert for fraudulent use of their details, which include children's names, addresses and dates of birth and National Insurance and bank details.
A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said the need to strengthen data protection laws had been recognised before the child benefit discs were lost and a review had been commissioned in October.
"Parliament is currently considering proposals to amend section 60 of the Data Protection Act through the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill," she said.
"This will provide a custodial sanction as well as the existing fines for those found guilty of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data."