[aub3bhat]

>> The problem with psuedonymous data is the NHS basically admits it can be used to identify people given sufficient effort.

It seems you have disagreement with the system adopted by NHS and several others worldwide. This has nothing to do with Google or Politicians. The system emerged from decades of research and understanding of compromise between the need to protect privacy and advancement of medical research. You are free to suggest alternatives over current system. I have studied this problem for last five years and there isn't a simple solution.

[fweespee_ch]

1) I have a disagreement with bait and switch data privacy laws that are publicly sold as anonymous when everyone can tell from the implementation details that they are not.

2) You asked why they were astonished. Well, #1 is why. Most people don't have the time/energy/desire to study the implementation details on every facet of their lives.