Electronic tax declaration

There is a debate going on if we should allow government agencies to gather information about citizens in order to provide adapted services and support to them. The electronic tax declaration from the Swedish Tax Authority (STA) is an excellent example of using the power of information to simplify life for us all and to save a lot of money doing it.

STA collects information from employers, banks, insurance companies, various government agencies, municipalities and assembles that into an electronic tax declaration form. They will even provide the final tax calculations. The only thing I need to do is to correct, add or delete data and then provide my electronic signature when it is done. It took me 10 minutes to do the declaration. Well done STA.!!

One argument that is always brought forward is the fear that politicians and government agencies will use this new capability to control and manipulate people, so they can forward their own agenda. Respecting peoples integrity, provide a tight information security and good routines to show accountability are therefore key, when providing these types of services.

Swine flu

Information about the latest outbreaks of the swine flu is everywhere. It is amazing how much information being generated and the speed of distributing it around the world. We are getting phone calls from worried family members and friends from around the world, and most of them refer to sources found on the web, or local TV- or radio news channels.

The quality of information is difficult, and there is a fair amount of speculation. Numbers are thrown around and most of the time just interpreted to sell headlines. We tries to check government sources like DHS.gov, CDC.gov and HHS.gov, to get a more objective view.

What has been reported so far in the US is; California 7 cases, Kansas 2 cases, New York City 8 cases, Ohio 1 case and Texas 2 cases. TOTAL COUNT 20 cases.

I am back blogging again..

It's been almost two years since I did my last entry. Times flies, and much has happened. I've been working with Defense customers from Washington DC and from December 2008, I am relocated to Houston, TX building up relationships with Energy and Environmental customers.

I am pleased to see that most organizations do recognize data and information to be one of the most important resources they have. But, if an organization is dependent on a steady and reliable flow of trusted and quality assured data and information, then it must be essential to manage this in the best manner possible. To often do we see during risk-analysis that poor Information Governance practices are one of the major causes for severe consequences and financial costs.

I have during the last months produced a White Paper describing DNVs data- and information services. If you would like to receive a copy, then do not hesitate to send me an email.