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UK Biobank Cuts Chinese Access After Alibaba Data Listing

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

UK Biobank revoked access for three Chinese research institutions after data they downloaded appeared on Alibaba.
About 500,000 volunteers’ de-identified health and demographic data was listed for sale on China’s Alibaba platform.
UK Biobank suspended platform access, limited exports, and is building an automated blocker for bulk downloads.
Minister Ian Murray said authorities and Alibaba removed the listings, no purchases occurred, and case was referred to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

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Story summary

UK Biobank revoked access for three Chinese research institutions after data they downloaded appeared on Alibaba.
About 500,000 volunteers’ de-identified health and demographic data was listed for sale on China’s Alibaba platform.
UK Biobank suspended platform access, limited exports, and is building an automated blocker for bulk downloads.
Minister Ian Murray said authorities and Alibaba removed the listings, no purchases occurred, and case was referred to the Information Commissioner’s Office.