A group of 10 councils plans to share access to confidential data using Microsoft's digital identity system.
The local authorities taking part in the project are Newham, Bromley, Derby, Isle of Man, Kent, Lewisham, Rotherham, Sunderland, Wakefield and Warwick.
Geoff Connell, chief information officer at LB Newham, said: "Recent security breaches have highlighted the need to enhance IT security in governmental organisations. Using [Microsoft's virtual] information cards makes it easier for the group to share information in a secure manner."
The local authorities are part of the Shared Learning Group, which helps to share best practice and collaborate on innovative IT solutions in line with the aims of the Transformational Government strategy. Eduserv, a not-for-profit IT services group, will provide the 10 authorities with the Microsoft CardSpace identity management system, which works with applications running on Windows, and manage the authentication.
Connell, who is also chair of the Shared Learning Group, added: "Over four million students and researchers in UK colleges and universities, the NHS and organisations worldwide use Athens and OpenAthens, Eduserv's AIM systems, to access online information resources. The goal of the Shared Learning Group is to help UK local authorities to improve the efficiency and security of their AIM processes."
Initially the councils will use their online identities to share internal documents relating to the group. The Shared Learning Group should be able to access and share documents securely, as well as taking part in discussions relating to the group on a dedicated portal.
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Talkback
I am unable to identify anything in this plan that will in any way be of benefit to those who will fund it - the tax payers. It may well be an exciting innovation to Council executives and will enable them to play, not only with information relevant to their council, but with the information held by other councils.
1000215420 18 Apr 08 16:08 ReplyIt would certainly require an increase in council staff, either direct or outsourced, to manage the operation of the plan.
I would contend that this is not within the scope of a Council's responsibility and must not be financially supported by tax income. Should any Council decide to implement this then it must certainly require a majority approval by elected Councillors and not introduced as an executive decision.
I further contend that any sharing of access to any personal details is an offence under the Data Information Act and is likely to be a breach Human Rights.