This week in data – July 20

Health record scheme a failure before it begins

According to some, anyway. Paul Shetler, former head of the Turnbull Government’s Digital Transformation Office, says the controversial system is “flawed”. University of Western Australia director of the Centre for Software Practice, Dr David Glance, also said it’d never be viable.

Yeesh.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“After all of this time and with the billions of dollars of investment, the majority of the records are largely empty and the majority of health professionals in Australia continue to refuse to support the system.”

Woolworths suppliers in a tiff over data plans

A while ago Woolworths said it would start selling more comprehensive data to suppliers. They’re…not happy. Sort of. Specifically, they’re a bit miffed Woolworths won’t be sharing competitors’ data anymore. Woolworths says: good news, competitors can’t see your sales! Suppliers aren’t convinced.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“Some are concerned the changes will further tilt the balance of power in the sector towards the supermarket, particularly when it comes to the all-important category reviews that help decide which suppliers stay on the shelf.”

UK to EU: we still want your data

The nerve! But still, hard to blame them. Theresa May’s government released a whitepaper saying it’s imperative that data sharing continues in the post-Brexit era. These negotiations aren’t easy, either: they cover everything from biometrics to internal government information.

THE TAKEAWAY:

“The government suggested the U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office and EU Data Protection Authorities forge a “close cooperation,” and that it was ready to begin preliminary discussions.”

What’s so hot about open source?

Quite a bit! But given the value of Australia’s open-source government data is about $25 billion, the ASPI says we need to start investigating new ways of protecting information while at the same time getting value out of it. Blockchain, anyone?

THE TAKEAWAY:

“The value of accurate, reliable and verifiable open-source information shouldn’t be underestimated. Australia needs to take advantage of new technologies as they emerge and reframe its approach to the security and preservation of open-source data.”

Open banking gives financial planners a boost

It isn’t just consumers who’ll get a benefit from open banking data – financial planners are keen as mustard. The AFR reports planners are even creating software that makes it easier to provide tailored product recommendations, with APIs that’ll scrape data straight from the banks. It’ll let them “treat individuals as individuals”. Cool.

(Some planners are stoked this’ll help them crack the younger Gen Y and Gen Z markets with tailored, specific information, rather than generic catch-all savings principles.)

THE TAKEAWAY:

“Other technology companies are also developing APIs to enhance the delivery of financial advice, including Raiz Invest, which recently listed on the ASX, and ASX-listed Zip through its Pocketbook subsidiary.”

Well, that’s our wrap for this week. Thanks for reading – we hope you found it entertaining and informational. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these articles and anything else data related! Contact us anytime! 

Until next week,

Team Data Republic

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