Week in Review: Can the Government handle data security?

1 billion cut from ID card scheme

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announces revised plans for a national ID card scheme, including a budget cut of 1 billion. Other changes include a choice between an ID card and a biometric passport for participants, and a slower rollout of the plan.

Tories call for new cyber security minister

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis makes speech at the 2008 e-Crime congress, criticising the Government and outlining Conservative plans to change the state approach to cybercrime in the UK.

3G iPhone arriving mid-year?

Plans are announced for a potential mid-year roll-out of Apple's highly-anticipated 3G iPhone. The new, faster device may be available for consumers as early as June or July of this year.

Yahoo buys time against Microsoft bid

After speculation of a boardroom takeover by Microsoft, Yahoo extends the board nomination deadline. This gives the internet company more time to consider its options in light of the Windows maker's unsolicited acquisition bid.

Microsoft launches online document sharing

Microsoft releases a beta version of its Office Live Workspace as a free download. The service, which allows documents to be shared online, will take on Google Docs.

Poor information management costs millions a year

Missed opportunities worth billions are wasted every year, a study on data management reports. Almost two-thirds of managers believe poor information management is knocking down their productivity by 29 per cent, which equates to a 46 billion loss in the national private sector and 21 billion in the public sector.