Data, that is, according to the Department for Constitutional Affairs.
In their recent 'Information Sharing Vision Statement', the Department for Constitutional Affairs pointed out that, within the current legal framework, more information can be shared than is being at present. Government departments appear to be unaware of the actual provisions of the law, and are therefore reluctant to share information. The vision statement is the first step to changing attitudes in this area.
The vision statement's aim is to help produce more 'joined up government' and to develop 'customer focused public services'. However, the proposed increased sharing of data will not infringe the individuals right to privacy; the existing law protects this to a sufficient degree, according to the Department for Constitional Affairs. Apparently, this new approach to data sharing will provide better public services, aid the disadvantaged and, perhaps most encouragingly, 'fight crime'.
Some commentators, however, seem more sceptical as to the rationale behind this proposal. Fuller guidance should be published in April 2007.
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