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Get text messages from the NHS about coronavirus: transparency notice
We process users' personal data in order to provide the text message service for people isolating due to coronavirus. This notice outlines what data is collected, how it is processed, and what we do with it.
Our purposes
NHS Digital will collect your personal information so that you can sign up to receive text messages about coronavirus.
We will share this information with the wider NHS, and other organisations involved in the response.
We, or our partner organisations, will send you texts that:
- ask questions such as how you are feeling
- provide information about services
- invite you to take part in surveys and other initiatives related to coronavirus
- suggest apps and websites which may be of interest to you
Your information will also be used by NHS Digital and other organisations for coronavirus research and planning purposes.
Categories of personal data
We ask for your mobile phone number, age, the date you started showing symptoms, and if you live alone or not.
As this relates to health, this is special category data under GDPR.
How we obtain your personal data
When you have:
- completed the NHS 111 online symptom checker for coronavirus assessment; and
- are given advice to self-isolate; and
- choose to sign up to the NHS text messaging service about coronavirus
we collect the data you provide us with.
Who we share your data with
We may share your data with:
- NHS Business Services Authority
- NHS England
- the Department of Health and Social Care
- Public Health England
- other NHS, health, or social care organisations
- research bodies, such as universities and hospitals
- other government departments, as part of the government response to coronavirus
How long we keep it for
The information you provide for the text message service is kept by NHS Digital for as long as it is required.
The retention period will be reviewed 8 years after the data was collected through the 111 online service.
Where we store the data
We only store and process your digital data for this service within the United Kingdom.