Official data found with laptop
An encrypted government disc has been found hidden in a computer sold on EBay -- another loss of sensitive data in a string of such missteps that is alarming privacy advocates as Britain inches closer to requiring all citizens to carry identity cards.
A customer brought the laptop to Leapfrog Computers in the northern English city of Bolton for repairs, sales manager Jonathan Parry said.
The disc had been wedged inside the laptop, apparently deliberately, he said. He added that the laptop might have been stolen before being put up for sale on EBay.
When workers realized that the disc was encrypted, they called police, he said.
The Home Office, responsible for maintaining law and order, confirmed that the disc was genuine and said it was investigating.
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