Telecommunications database creates greater privacy issues than National DNA Database 
(04/08/2008)
Mike Barwise, from Infosecurity Adviser, has revealed he is less concerned about the privacy issues that the National DNA Database creates than other planned government files.
"The media seems preoccupied at the moment about people's DNA being stored centrally, but the reality is that the database is really a one-dimensional invasion of citizen's privacy," he said.
"Two-dimensional databases, such as the planned telecommunications database of the numbers that people call from their landlines and mobile phones, are much more worrying," he added.
According to Barwise, when you factor in the time element to the planned government telecommunications database and add in location-based data from the cellular carriers, you create a three-dimensional view of the person concerned.
"Not only do you have the numbers called and the locations called from, but you have a time-based diary from which you can extrapolate their movements," he explained.
In his online blog, Barwise notes that a sample of 30 ordinary UK citizens were assembled back in January to debate the pros and cons of the national DNA database.
"This has been a highly charged subject for years, not least due to the progressive extension of the scope of the database, culminating in recent proposals to include young children who might offend in the future - or indeed everyone in the country," he said, adding that the issue arouses strong emotions.
The proposed telecommunications database, however, he adds, would disclose your circle of business and social contacts, as well as your Web browsing habits.
This would, says Barwise, reveal vast amounts of information about your lifestyle. Small wonder then, that Barwise says that, against this backdrop, concerns about a DNA database start to pale into insignificance.
Related topics: Authentication and identity management Data management and data security
Print version | 
Email to a friend | 
Related articles
Data breaches: Trends, costs and best practices gives you all the latest information on securing personal and corporate data, key recommendations for immediate action to improve data security, and how to respond to data breaches.
Other Security news and resources
Security News
Suppliers Directory
Jobs forum
Classifieds
Knowledge base
White papers
Research library
Security books
Special reports
Security interviews
Security companies
Security events
Security links
Security market
Product channels
Access Control Biometrics CCTV Intruder Alarms IT Security Manned Guarding Perimeter Protection Physical Security Remote Monitoring Security Services Fire, Health & Safety Other Security Products
IT Security white papers and research library
Access Control Authentication Data Management Data Security Digital Signatures Email Security Identity Management Internet Security Intrusion Prevention Network Security Remote access security Security Management Security Policies Security Software Security Threats Virus Detection Software Virus Protection VPN Vulnerability Assessment Wireless Security
Security books, guides, standards and toolkits
RFID and Smart Cards books, guides and reference documents Biometric books, guides and reference documents CCTV books, guides and reference documents Intruder alarms and intrusion detection systems books, guides and reference documents Monitoring and surveillance books, guides and reference documents IT Governance, ISO 27001 ISO 17799 and BS 7799 toolkits Fire, Health & Safety books, guides and reference documents
