Data lapse must not happen again - Bell

Comments follow Income Tax Division email blunder

The chief minister says ensuring the security of official data held on residents is a government priority.

The Income Tax Division had to apologise this week after accidentally circulating a list of thousands of personal email addresses. 

Allan Bell says the lapse was deeply regrettable and must not happen again. 

The Data Protection Supervisor is now investigating the case.

Mr Bell says the public has a right to assume private information held by government is confidential - especially as Island residents are being encouraged to use online services: