The confidential health records of 500,000 British volunteers from the UK Biobank project were offered for sale on Alibaba's Chinese website. According to multiple reports, the data was listed by several sellers and contained de-identified information that did not include names, addresses, or precise dates of birth.
Key Takeaways
Confidential health records of 500,000 British volunteers from the UK Biobank project were offered for sale on Alibaba's Chinese website but have since been removed.
- Data was listed by several sellers and contained de-identified information
- The government worked with UK Biobank, China, and Alibaba to remove listings
- Access to data has been paused pending security upgrades
- Three research institutions in China had their access revoked
The UK government confirmed that the listings have been removed and it is not believed any sales were made. Technology Minister Ian Murray informed the Commons that three separate listings appeared to sell Biobank participation data. The data found for sale was described as 'de-identified,' meaning it did not include personally identifying information.
The UK Biobank holds extensive health data, including genome sequences, brain scans, blood samples, and diagnostic records. Scientists at universities and private companies worldwide apply for access to this data. In response to the breach, Murray stated that the government worked with UK Biobank, the Chinese government, and Alibaba to have the listings removed.
UK Biobank has temporarily suspended access to its research platform while implementing technical measures to prevent bulk downloads. The charity has also referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office for investigation. Professor Rory Collins, chief executive of UK Biobank, emphasized that the protection of participant data is taken extremely seriously and that measures are being put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
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