In 2025, we held an event with u3a to understand the views on data sharing of some of their members who were aged 65 plus. We wanted them to tell us their thoughts about how and when they share their personal information, and asked for their opinions about:
data and how we use data
the types of organisations that access data
what makes them want to share their data
what worries them about sharing their data
administrative, or "admin", data, and how we use it
data that is linked together, and how we use this "linked data"
what would make them feel less worried about sharing data
What do people aged 65 plus think about data sharing?
We found that the people aged 65 plus who attended the event tended to trust the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and government departments with their data. They are also willing to share their data if there is a clear benefit.
They were more worried about:
sharing data with third parties and private organisations
the misuse of data
sharing sensitive data, such as health and financial information
They were also concerned about the use of administrative, or "admin" data, and linked data.
They said they would be reassured by understanding the strong data security in place, as well as more accountability and transparency about who will use their data.
People from u3a who attended the Data Debate said:
"I'd feel a lot more comfortable sharing my data with a government body."
"Sharing my data is a question of judgement for me. I look at what is the purpose of the information that they're asking for. Trust is the key thing."
"I will share my data with the organisation I'm having a direct relationship with, but I don't want them to share it with third parties."
"You get certain things for sharing your information. So, it's very difficult to avoid doing it altogether."
"I personally believe that now we've got to the stage where your data is going to be shared, whether you like it or not."
Find out more about what the people who took part said in our Data Debate video
Further research about sharing data
Understanding people's attitudes towards data sharing in all parts of society is important. These insights help to inform the way we raise awareness and understanding of what we do at the ONS, and how we use data. This also helps to build trust in our work.
We will continue to communicate and seek people's views on how we use data to produce official statistics.
If you, or a group that you are part of, are interested in taking part in an ONS Data Debate, please email datadebate@ons.gov.uk.