Science Minister Proposes Selling NHS Data by Government
Peter Kyle expressed his enthusiasm for data commercializing, stating that it has the potential to enhance research efforts and benefit public finance.
The Labour government is considering selling NHS data to support research and generate revenue, as suggested by Science Secretary Peter Kyle.
Minister Kyle indicated that the government is open to commercializing anonymized NHS data and is eager to seize opportunities in this area.
This discussion follows Labour’s pledge to introduce a Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, which would allow scientists to obtain broad consent for research and enable commercial researchers to utilize the UK’s data regulations more effectively.
A previous Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, which aimed to expand the definition of “scientific research” to include commercial research, was halted following the general election.
In an interview with The Times of London, Science Secretary Kyle outlined the benefits of the upcoming bill, emphasizing the potential for broader research access and innovative discoveries.
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Minister Kyle highlighted the unparalleled potential for utilizing anonymized UK health data, stressing the need to explore this opportunity further.
Former political adversaries Sir Tony Blair and Lord William Hague proposed selling anonymized medical records through a new entity to boost research efforts and keep the UK competitive in the global AI race.
Mr. Kyle affirmed the government’s readiness to embrace commercialization, believing it can drive innovation and solve health challenges while creating wealth for the country.
He reassured the public that individuals’ consent and privacy will always be prioritized in any data-related initiatives.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently partnered with UK Biobank, providing cloud computing credits and services to support research efforts, with the government matching the investment as part of a public-philanthropic consortium.
Labour’s pre-election promises included the introduction of NHS patient passports and the establishment of a National Data Library to enhance data-driven public services.
However, concerns raised by experts emphasize the importance of robust safeguards and privacy protection measures to prevent data misuse.
