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Genomics: Information Sharing

Asked by Sir Gavin WilliamsonConservativeDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 15 December 2025UIN 97516

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, in cases where genomic data has been found to have been transferred in violation of UK law or national security standards, what steps has the government taken or plans to take to remediate these breaches.

Answered by Ian Murray

The UK has one of the most robust data protection regimes in the world, with all organisations required to comply with our legislation to safeguard UK personal data when transferring it overseas. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action.

Our data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, has powers to take enforcement action and issue hefty fines. Individuals who consider that their data has been misused can also take legal action.

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