Covid-19 Civil Liberties 2020-04-28
2020-04-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns discussions about the impact of the NHS contact tracing app on civil liberties following a government focus on testing, tracing and containing coronavirus.
I welcome the Government's new focus on testing, tracing and containing the coronavirus. However, does the Attorney General agree that the legal basis for processing personal data by such an app should be set out in legislation and that this should include a measure that ensures the app stores data in a decentralised manner?
I am very pleased that the hon. Gentlemen is supportive of the contact tracing app. It is very important because everyone will benefit from the app. There will be no private identifiable information on it. The whole process will be compliant with data protection and there will be an ethical advisory board monitoring it.
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Assessment & feedback
The legal basis for processing personal data by legislation and decentralised storage of data
Compliant With Data Protection
Ethical Advisory Board
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the legal framework supporting the NHS's coronavirus contact tracing application are raised, particularly regarding public trust.
We support the development of the app which could be central to lifting lockdown measures. However, to ensure effectiveness and public trust, will the Solicitor General confirm that the legal basis for processing data under the app will be set out in primary legislation? Will he also confirm compliance with GDPR both now and after Brexit?
I welcome the hon. Lady to her place. Stakeholder engagement in this matter has been crucial, including consultations with the ethics advisory board for the app chaired by Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery. In this country we trust our NHS with our data and the app will be heavily protected.
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Assessment & feedback
Legal basis and GDPR compliance after Brexit
Trust In Nhs
Ethical Advisory Board
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Information Commissioner has advised that contact tracing should initially involve decentralised systems. This exchange examines why the government may have opted for a centralised system despite this advice.
The Information Commissioner said that 'the starting point for contact tracing should be decentralised systems.' Why have the Government apparently gone against this and reportedly chosen a significant centralised data-gathering system?
The app is being developed with expert assistance from various sources, and civil liberties and privacy are crucial. Data will not be held longer than necessary. We want people to trust it to protect the NHS and save lives.
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Assessment & feedback
Reasons for choosing a centralised data system over decentralised one
Expert Assistance
Protecting Privacy
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The government is considering further options for managing the covid-19 outbreak, including assessing implications on civil liberties such as human rights, equality, and privacy.
What discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the effect of the NHS contact tracing app on civil liberties?
Her Majesty's Government are actively considering a range of further options for managing the effect of the outbreak of covid-19. A careful assessment of any implications for civil liberties will be an important part of these considerations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific outcomes or details from discussions on app's impact on civil liberties
Considering Further Options
Careful Assessment
Response accuracy