This Week in Data – February 7:

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

Half of Americans don’t care about sharing DNA data

This is a big finding. According to a new Pew study, 48% of Americans say they don’t mind their genetic data being used to solve crimes. Given how much discussion there has been about DNA companies misusing data, this is a bit of a surprise. Could this actually start happening on a widespread basis? 

THE TAKEAWAY:

“There is a smaller, yet statistically significant, difference by party – Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are more likely than Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents to approve of the data use (52% vs. 47%).”

More data sharing to combat Coronavirus 

With the world, and mostly China, rushing to combat the impact of Coronavirus, every little technique and strategy is being used. The World Health Organization is calling for more data sharing to be used in order to keep the pandemic under control, specifically targeting health ministers over the world with his plea. Here’s hoping they see an impact.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“The overall public health cost of the response from February to April is estimated at $675 million, which does not include the social or economic consequences of the outbreak, said Scott Pendergast, WHO director of strategic planning and partnerships.”

FCC fines telecommunications companies over data sharing

A while ago the FCC said it would investigate telcos for illegally disclosing real-time location data. Now, it says it’s going to fine them. The problem is that this data could be misused and sold on the black market. The news was sent to the head of a Congressional committee: who, unsurprisingly, was pretty happy. 

THE TAKEAWAY:

“Following our longstanding calls to take action, the FCC finally informed the Committee today that one or more wireless carriers apparently violated federal privacy protections by turning a blind eye to the widespread disclosure of consumers’ real-time location data,” said Pallone. “This is certainly a step in the right direction, but I’ll be watching to make sure the FCC doesn’t just let these lawbreakers off the hook with a slap on the wrist.”

Europe to pressure Britain over data

We live in a post-Brexit world now (sort of). With that comes all sorts of awkward arrangements. Now, Europe says it’s a tad frustrated with how Britain is operating with some data sharing laws. The issue at hand is law enforcement information, but Europe says it’s really a broader discussion about how data is to be handled in this new era – and they say Britain isn’t living up to its end of the bargain.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“Brussels was also shocked by revelations in the Guardian this year that a computer error meant Britain had failed to pass on the details of 75,000 convictions of foreign criminals to their home countries in the EU, and then tried to cover up the mistake.”

Google moves deeper into health data sharing

Accenture and Google are joining forces to create a data sharing platform for Intient, a pharmaceutical company it recently acquired. It’s just the latest in a number of moves among major players, including Google, in the health space. Turns out that bio data is super valuable.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“Accenture cites a recent study by IDC Health Insights, which found that while 75% of a survey of 126 biopharma company executives said that improving their ability to share data across their organisation was critical, more than half (51%) said they do not have a clear path toward achieving that goal.”

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!

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