Will midata or similar, give us back our data?

[AussieNeil]

I've regularly posted about what we can do to improve our on-line security and through those postings, you'll be aware of how much data about us is collected as we surf the Internet.

"In the UK, the new “midata” service allows consumers to download the data trail they have left and which each of the service providers has collected. App developers have been encouraged to start offering software enabling people to use their own data to find the best product offering for them across the sector. midata has been rolled out on a mainly voluntary basis and is still in the early stages. In combination with consumer friendly switching regulations, such as bank account number portability, midata offers consumers a way of using their own data to make product and services choices." Rob Nicholls, Postdoctoral research fellow at Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, Australia, argues that it’s time for companies to give us back our data:

theconversation.com/why-its...

Has anyone in the UK had any experience with midata?

gov.uk/government/policies/...

And in some related and rather worrying news, Michael Kassner writes for the TechRepublic that Data breaches may cost less than the security to prevent them

techrepublic.com/article/da...

which doesn't really encourage companies to invest in securing the data you provide them in online transactions... That reinforces the importance of doing what you can to minimise the likelihood of your personal data from being misused. New members and those that would like a refresher can read the two posts that I maintain on recommended techniques you can use to improve your online security here:

Online Security Starts with YOU!

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Is your computer/phone/tablet secure?

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Finally, another TechRepublic article commences "If privacy while browsing is at the top of your priority list, Jack Wallen offers up a Firefox tip that just might allow you to sigh a breath of private air.":

techrepublic.com/article/fi...

"With this one-two punch, your Firefox browser should now be able to prevent sites from tracking you, whether they honor Do Not Track or not."

Neil