The IET has responded to the data access policy update consultation, endorsing the NHS and DHSC’s initiative to enhance health and social care data application. This includes adopting a ‘data access by default’ model and establishing Secure Data Environments (SDEs).
The response is comprehensive, offering expert perspectives on crucial areas such as data security, privacy, and governance.
The organisation underscores the necessity for advanced cybersecurity measures, privacy-enhancing technologies, and adherence to international standards.
In addition, the IET also advocates for transparency and accountability, proposing the regular publication of data access and usage reports, maintenance of comprehensive audit trails, and immediate disclosure of data breaches.
It further recommends regular public engagement and mandatory user education on data ethics, privacy, and security to foster public trust and prevent data misuse.
As such these IET recommendations aim to optimise the benefits of SDEs, safeguard individual privacy, and cultivate public trust in this digital transformation.