UK Biobank denies claims of data breach by 'race science' group

Leading geneticists express concerns about the potential misuse of UK Biobank data

The UK Biobank has refuted claims that members of a 'race science' network have accessed sensitive health information from its extensive biomedical database.

The UK Biobank has refuted claims that members of a 'race science' network have accessed sensitive health information from its extensive biomedical database.

The denial comes in response to a report by The Guardian, which cited undercover footage obtained by the anti-racism group "Hope Not Hate", suggesting that 'race science' network had acquired a "large" amount of data from the UK Biobank.

Founded in 2003, the UK Biobank contains a large repository of genetic data, blood samples, medical records, and other health-related information. This valuable resource is used for medical research aimed at improving the understanding of diseases and developing more effective treatments.

The UK Biobank requires that all research projects using its data serve the "public interest." Participants provide consent for their anonymised information to be used for health-related research purposes, and researchers are bound by contract not to share the data without proper authorisation.

The Guardian says it has conducted a thorough investigation, in collaboration with Hope Not Hate, into leaked recordings, which revealed 'race science' researchers discussing their access to the UK Biobank data and their plans to use it for their research.

Emil Kirkegaard, the leader of the 'race science' group, is widely known for promoting racist theories related to race and intelligence. He is listed as an author on over 40 papers published in the journal Mankind Quarterly.

His research has reportedly explored topics such as whether income disparities between Black and white Americans are due to "average intelligence differences" and the claims that people with "Muslim names" in Denmark have lower IQs.

The Guardian report says Kirkegaard mentioned that gaining access to UK Biobank data required submitting extensive paperwork detailing how the data would be stored and managed.

Leading geneticists and health data experts have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of UK Biobank data.

Katie Bramall-Stainer, a representative of GPs in the British Medical Association (BMA), called for stricter regulations on health data.

"Questions now need to be answered by UK Biobank and NHS England around how, when, where, why, with whom, and for what purpose, confidential data was shared."

UK Biobank denies claims

Meanwhile, UK Biobank has stated that the claims of a data breach are "unfounded" and that its own investigation "found no evidence of misuse" of the data.

It said none of the individuals named in The Guardian story have ever been granted access to UK Biobank data. Additionally, a comprehensive search of the internet and dark web found no evidence of the data being available to unauthorised researchers.

The organisation said that it maintains "strict procedures" to prevent unauthorised access to the data, including rigorous vetting of researchers and legally binding agreements.

However, Professor Sir Rory Collins, the chief executive of UK Biobank, acknowledged the potential for unethical individuals to attempt to exploit the data.

"We are confident that our access procedures are working, but sadly we operate in a world where unethical people will seek to undermine this. However, the most likely conclusion of the evidence is that these individuals are using publicly available summary data," he said.

"Kirkegaard and his team at the Human Diversity Foundation have been blocked by UK Biobank from accessing its data on the grounds they are not bona fide researchers. We have previous evidence of Kirkegaard claiming he has access to UK Biobank data while continuing to make attempts to obtain it. Statements made by this group – whether public or private – cannot be relied upon as fact."

Collins added that if any evidence emerged showing a researcher had misused UK Biobank data, the organisation would immediately revoke their access to data and take legal action if appropriate.