The (predictable) response from the government whenever anyone over the last 2 days has tried to tie the [node:1494, title="latest cock-up at HMRC"] to potential problems with the ID Card database, Darling says it'll be fine because they're 'biometric'. This is the same flawed mantra Bliar kept using, and it's bollocks- unless he's seriously suggesting that every time we buy a can of beans or talk to our banks, we have to present an ID Card, thus letting the government know exactly where we are and what we're up to.
It doesn't even matter that they've 'got away with it' (in the sense there's no proof the data is in evil hands). They've clearly ignored basic computer security, like making sure it is physically impossible to connect the database to anything that comes under the heading 'portable storage').
If this can happen by accident, what's to stop a corrupt (or corruptible, or has-family-held-hostage-able) person doing it deliberately. Apparently nothing.
Feel safe now ? Trust the government with 60 million fingerprints and DNA samples, as well as all your personal and banking details in future ?
Yeah, right...
PS As I understand the PM's response in PM's Qs just now, the government just promised to repay any money lost by any family as a result of any ID theft, for ever. Makes 24 billion plus ongoing expenses for Rock look like small fry.
The plot thickens on C4 news, just now:
In March HMRC management decided to send NAO everything in response to a request for not everything.
So it was never just an isolated junior staff member !
Tom