UK Biobank health data listed for sale in China, government confirms
Summary
The UK Biobank’s health data of 500,000 members was found for sale on a Chinese website called Alibaba. The data did not include personal details like names or addresses, and the listings were removed after being discovered. The UK and Chinese governments, along with Alibaba, are working together to investigate the issue.Key Facts
- Health data of 500,000 UK Biobank members was listed for sale online in China.
- The data did not have personally identifying information such as names, addresses, or phone numbers.
- The UK Biobank is a project used to improve research on diseases like dementia and cancer.
- The data breach was reported to the UK government on Monday by the UK Biobank charity.
- The listings appeared on Alibaba, a major Chinese e-commerce platform.
- The UK government says no sales were made from the data listings.
- The listings were removed, and the Chinese government cooperated in the investigation.
- The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office said medical data is very sensitive and must be handled carefully according to law.
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