National Data Strategy: DCMS Briefing for Data Centres

We held a briefing and Q&A on the National Data Strategy last Friday morning where officials from DCMS presented the strategy.  The slides from that session are here.   The session was recorded and you can listen to the recording below. Be aware that the sound quality fluctuated.   The National Data Strategy (NDS) and the accompanying consultation are here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-national-data-strategy   

The NDS supports the UK in building a world leading data economy, with high levels of public trust, relevant skills, and ease of access to data.  The strategy’s core objectives are to use data to boost productivity and trade, support new businesses and jobs, increase the speed and efficiency of scientific research, transform public services and create a fairer society.  The delivery of the strategy is divided into four pillars, or principles, that reflect the barriers that need to be overcome.  These are ensuring that: 1) data is fit for purpose, 2) we have the right skills, 3) data flows freely and 4) that there is adequate data protection and public trust.   

In terms of delivery, the strategy includes five sets of actions:  unlocking the value of data, securing a pro-growth and trusted data regime, transforming government’s use of data, ensuring the security and resilience of data infrastructure and championing international data flows.  

Of these, the fourth, “ensuring the security and resilience of data infrastructure” is directly relevant  to our sector and we will be working closely with DCMS on this.  Questions 14-17 in the consultation paper are targeted directly at data centres and we will be working with colleagues on techUK’s response.  

The link to the consultation is above but in the meantime, Qs 14-17 are duplicated below:  

4.  What responsibilities and requirements should be placed on virtual or physical data infrastructure service providers to provide data security, continuity and resilience of service supply? 

1.  How do clients assess the robustness of security protocols when choosing data infrastructure services? How do they ensure that providers are keeping up with those protocols during their contract? 

5.  Demand for external data storage and processing services is growing. In order to maintain high standards of security and resilience for the infrastructure on which data use relies, what should be the respective roles of government, data service providers, their supply chain and their clients? 

6.  What are the most important risk factors in managing the security and resilience of the infrastructure on which data use relies? For example, the physical security of sites, the geographic location where data is stored, the diversity and actors in the market and supply chains, or other factors. 

7.  Do you agree that the government should play a greater role in ensuring that data does not negatively contribute to carbon usage? Please explain your answer. If applicable, please indicate how the government can effectively ensure that data does not negatively contribute to carbon usage.