NO2ID have released their latest newsletter that details hidden clauses allowing the government more control over our data.

Hidden inside the Coroners and Justice bill, under part 8 (sections 152-154) are clauses relaxing the boundaries of the Data Protection Act, and the ability to share our personal information with any body it sees fit.

Quite apart from the powers in the Identity Cards Act, if Information Sharing Orders come to pass, they could (for example) immediately be used to suck up material such as tax records or electoral registers to build an early version of the National Identity Register.

But the powers apply to any information, not just official information. They would permit data trafficking between government agencies and private companies – your medical records are firmly in their sights – and even with foreign governments.