UK Biobank health data listed for sale in China, government confirms

{ "title": "UK Government Confirms Biobank Data Offered for Sale on Chinese Platform Alibaba", "content": "The UK government has confirmed that personal health data from the UK Biobank, a major medical database containing information on 500,000 participants, was listed for sale on the Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba. Technology Minister Ian Murray informed Parliament that the charity running the Biobank alerted authorities on Monday after discovering three listings advertising the data for purchase.\n\nMurray assured MPs that the data did not include names, addresses, contact details, or telephone numbers, and that no purchases were made. The listings have since been removed, and the minister thanked the Chinese government for its cooperation.\n\nUK Biobank, which has been instrumental in advancing research into diseases such as dementia, cancer, and Parkinson's, said it is investigating the incident. Chief Executive Professor Sir Rory Collins addressed participants in a statement, emphasizing that all data is de-identified and contains no personally identifying information.\n\nThe Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) also commented, noting that medical data is highly sensitive and that organisations have a legal responsibility to handle it securely. The ICO confirmed it has been made aware of the incident and is making inquiries.\n\nAlibaba has been contacted for comment."