UK govt to class data centres as critical national infrastructure 

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The announcement follows Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, gaving a speech on the importance of digital infrastructure at Connected Britain 2024 

The UK government has officially classified data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), aiming to enhance their protection against cyber threats, IT outages, and environmental risks.  

The decision, announced by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, focuses on safeguarding important data such as NHS records, financial information, and personal data, while also supporting the broader digital economy. 

The new status places data centres alongside essential services like energy and water, ensuring they receive additional government support where necessary.  

It also includes better coordination with security agencies, such as the National Cyber Security Centre, and the creation of a dedicated data infrastructure team of senior government officials to oversee the infrastructure.  

Designating data centres as CNI is aimed their resilience against outages, cyber-attacks, and other risks that could impact vital services like healthcare and financial systems.  

This scale of the disruption possible by cyberattacks of unintentional technical faults was highlighted earlier this year, when an unintentional consequence of a Crowd Strike update saw 60% of GP practices unable to access software holding patients’ appointment details, prescriptions, and health records. 

In line with this announcement, the government has announced a proposed £3.75 billion investment in Europe’s largest data centre, to be built in Hertfordshire by data centre company DC01UK. The project, which is pending approval, is expected to create 700 local jobs and support almost 14,000 positions across the UK’s tech sector.  

“Data centres are the engines of modern life, they power the digital economy and keep our most personal information safe. Bringing data centres into the Critical National Infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the government against cyber criminals and unexpected events,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle in a press release. 

“The huge £3.75 billion private investment announced today in Hertfordshire is a vote of confidence in those plans and a clear example of my determination to ensure technological advancements are helping to grow our economy and create wealth across the country,” he continued. 

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