Revenue staff broke data law by snooping on taxpayers

Staff at the Inland Revenue are breaching the Data Protection Act by gaining unauthorised access to the computer records of taxpayers, including celebrities, and in some cases selling information.

In an internal newsletter, the board of the Inland Revenue expressed concern over the amount of unauthorised access...

...More than 60,000 staff have access to computers at the Inland Revenue. The department's systems include the computerised operation of PAYE, which holds tax records, and the National Insurance Recording System 2, which has historic and current data on more than 60 million people.

Tony O'Dwyer of the Inland Revenue's human resources conduct and discipline section said, "There have been a number of instances of celebrity browsing, or looking up the details of family or friends out of idle curiosity.

"But there is also evidence that some people are using the information maliciously. For example, finding out how much an ex-spouse earns and passing information to the Child Support Agency or even selling the information to outside agencies. This is clearly a breach of customer confidentiality and the Data Protection Act."...

...Last year the Revenue took disciplinary action, including dismissal, against staff in 226 cases of computer misuse. Although staff sign the Official Secrets Act, and face criminal proceedings for breaches of the Data Protection Act, there have been only two prosecutions for computer misuse ...

...Details of the security breaches have emerged as the Home Office considers allowing more public servants, including those in local councils, to see personal information held by Whitehall. That information could include records on an individual's e-mails, telephone and Internet use. Plans are at a consultative stage.

The Revenue already divulges some tax records to other public bodies. Computer Weekly has obtained an internal circular to staff which said that, with authorisation, information on taxpayers may be passed to organisations such as local councils.