This Week in Data – February 21

This Week in Data – February 21:

Each week, we compile the best stories in data. Get up to speed on this week in data, without having to search for it.

 

Coronavirus data still not being shared

Not good. The World Health Organization says that security standards are getting in the way of sharing data. However, they also praised the effort Beijing has taken to control the virus. Looks like we’re not out of this one just yet.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“In some cases there are data protection issues, there are citizen protection issues, there are issues around the sharing of individualised data on individual patients and then there are obviously some logistical issues”.

 

Australia’s Consumer Data Right marches on

It’s here! The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has unveiled the rules governing the Australian Consumer Data Right, and boy, it’s a doozy. Among the rules are that large banks now have to share huge troves of data, and they need to come up with a process for handling data requests. There’s too many details to mention, but this is a great step in democratizing data. First Australia, next, the world.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“The Australian Government has already completed its first round of consultation with the energy sector in relation to the application of the CDR, with the ACCC to shortly release an energy CDR implementation timetable.”

 

Open Banking is just the beginning

Still in Australia, the Gartner Data and Analytics Summit was a recent hotbed for discussion about data and consumer rights. Plenty of great comments, but one from Andrew Stevens, Chair of the Data Standards Body, sticks out: that any organization needs to start preparing now. And by preparing, he means, overhauling.

THE TAKEAWAY:

““I can guarantee you that there’s no organization in this room that has architected their storage of their consumer data to enable easy access in the same timeframe as people would use when they activate their account with you,” Stevens said.”

 

Australian state pushes for stronger privacy bill

Staying in Australia, the New South Wales Government is pushing the Federal Government for a new, higher standard for when federal agencies share data. That’s been a big debate in Australia, lately.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“This test addresses the risks associated with the misuse of the data—deliberate or unintended—and considers the context of the release. In total the test covers 10 safes, including the life-cycle of the data use, and the response if things go wrong.”

 

Ring to make key privacy changes 

Looks like Amazon got the message. After the Electronic Frontier Foundation published a report claiming Ring’s cameras have some dodgy data sharing, a new report now says users will be able to opt out of data sharing. Another win for data privacy. 

THE TAKEAWAY:

“A company spokesperson said people will be able to opt out of those sharing agreements “where applicable.” The spokesperson declined to clarify what “where applicable” might mean.”

 

Facebook to unveil treasure trove of data

Facebook has been working with an independent commission, Social Science One, in order to hand over huge amounts of data for scientific study. Now, after years of work, that transfer is about to take place. Not without some opposition, of course, but the scientists say they’ll be able to study important topics: like how disinformation affects elections. Given the US election coming up in November, that seems apt.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“We believe we can provide the fuel in the form of data access to the scholarly community to help solve some of the major issues in social media that affect elections and democracy across the world.”

 

That’s our wrap for this week. Thanks for reading – we hope you found it entertaining and informative. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these articles and anything else data related!

Email us anytime at enquiries@datarepublic.com.

Until next week,

Team Data Republic

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