Getty Images / WIRED
A data analytics team close to the heart of government has collected data on more than 650 million people, including children under the age of 13, according to newly unearthed documents.
The Data Services & Analytics unit is described as “one of the most advanced data analytics centres in government” and forms part of the Home Office’s Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) department. It builds decision-making tools and provides data-driven insights to the rest of the Home Office – although details of exactly what it does remain tightly guarded.
Advertisement
The huge amount of data being analysed and the Home Office’s lack of transparency has prompted accusations from privacy campaigners that the unit could be creating a “super database” that risks exacerbating racial biases among law enforcement agencies.
Asylum Information Database (AIDA) Country Report: United Kingdom 2020 update - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
reliefweb.int - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from reliefweb.int Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Asylum seeker describes staying in Welsh detention camp as the worst experience of my life
dailymail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
A new Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) has been appointed for a three-year term it has been announced. David Neal will replace David Bolt and will begin his appointment on Monday, 22 March. UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, welcomed Neal’s appointment.
The ICIBI is an independent border and UK immigration watchdog sponsored by the Home Office and reports back on the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK immigration, asylum, nationality and customs functions carried out by the Home Secretary, Home Office officials and others on Patel’s behalf.
Mr Neal has previously served as the head of the Royal Military Police and Commander of the 1st Military Police Brigade, according to a press release on the government’s official website.