Children fear database security is inadequate

Children fear that their personal information to be held on a proposed Government database could fall into the hands of paedophiles, a new report has warned.

The report, Making ContactPoint Work, published by Children's Rights Director for England, Dr Roger Morgan, showed that the majority of children (83 per cent) have deep concerns about the security planned for the database, Contactpoint.

Morgan said as well as fears about information falling into the wrong hands, which children feel have not been addressed fully, they are worried incorrect information could be added to their files on ContactPoint, vital data lost and the system breaking down.

All of these failures, if they occurred, could have serious consequences for the children listed. He said children also want reassurance that their photos and phone numbers will never be placed on the system.

Dr Morgan told Computeractive: "Overall we found children supportive of the database but they do have very strong concerns. The children we talked to are fairly sceptical [overall] about security for such a large database and very concerned about who has access to their data.

"The Government has to ensure there is the maximum focus on security measures and this needs constant monitoring"

Contactpoint was previously known by the working title of the 'information sharing index'. The £224m computer system will list details about all children in England, including their age and where they live. The idea behind the database is to allow professionals such as social workers, doctors and schools to share information on young people to stop vulnerable or children at risk falling into gaps between different services.

Morgan, who has a personal statutory duty to ascertain the views of c hildren living away from home or receiving social care services, said it was vital the Government listened to the children's concerns.

"One of the biggest fears concerns access with passwords and security tags. Children want to be sure anyone who has access has good reason to see the data and is thoroughly checked out," he said.

"They are also concerned about passwords being given out by authorised people to others; for example someone doing research giving a receptionist access to Contactpoint to get information on their behalf."

The report found that children are also concerned about errors or misleading information being held on their files.

"Some have already have experiences of incorrect data about them on local databases held by organisations such as social services or health authorities," said Morgan, who is based at Ofsted, the official body for inspecting schools.

Contactpoint has already been criticised by the House of Lords Select Committee on Merits of Statutory Instruments and a report by the Foundation for Information Policy Research for the Information Commissioner. Their views were the system will put children at risk, is a waste of money and will further erode parental rights.

The database is scheduled for a full rollout to all English local authorities, child protection agencies and a group of children's charities by the end of 2008