The article expresses serious concerns about the access granted to Chinese research institutions to sensitive medical data from UK Biobank, a large-scale medical research project involving 500,000 British participants. The author highlights the potential national security risks involved in sharing this data with China, citing the actions of MI5 and statements made by former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove.
The author shares his wife's experience as a participant, detailing her feelings of betrayal and naivete upon discovering the extent of data access by Chinese institutions. He emphasizes the emotional toll this revelation has taken on her and expresses his own guilt.
The article links this data sharing to broader concerns about China's intentions, citing previous instances of alleged Chinese interference in UK infrastructure and the origin of COVID-19. The potential for misuse of the data for biological warfare is raised.
UK Biobank's response on their website, downplaying the issue and omitting mention of China, is criticized. The article points out that while personal details are removed, advancements in AI could potentially identify sensitive group-specific genetic information.
The author urges all participants in UK Biobank to withdraw their data, highlighting a clause allowing this action. He also calls upon the UK government to intervene and address these national security concerns.