Confidential Government data, concerning three million British learner drivers, is missing from a 'secure facility' in America. The data concerns all driving theory test candidates from 2004 to 2007.
Two CDs, containing the names, addresses and bank details of 25 million people, are also missing after they were lost last month. Government ministers are currently revising the punishment for wilful abuse of data, making it an offence punishable by a two-year prison sentence, rather than just a fine.
Driving test records, containing names, addresses, and phone numbers, had been stored in a facility in Iowa City, Iowa, America, which was owned by Pearson Driving Assessments Limited, the company that designs the software for the theory tests, administers the test, and records the results (and data of those who take the test). The data went missing in May this year.
Government officials insist, however, that the missing information, taken from what Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly (above) described as a 'secure facility' would be available in the phone book anyway. The data concerns three million British learner drivers who took a theory test between 2004 and 2007.
To comment on this article, use the comment box below, or email us at clonews@ipcmedia.com. Read more about the countryside.
-
Athena: We need to get serious about saving our museumsThe government announced that museums ‘can now apply for £20 million of funding to invest in their future’ last week. But will this be enough?
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
