Supermarkets could be forced to show shoppers all data held on them Through their loyalty cards, supermarkets are able to collect huge amounts of information about customers, including their eating habits, personal finances and weekly schedules. Next week, ministers will warn that they are prepared to change the law to compel companies to release data at customers" request. Government officials said the disclosure rules could allow consumers to use the information to change and improve their purchasing decisions. For example, using detailed data about food shopping could allow families to compare the prices of different items charged in different branches of their supermarket. They might also be able to monitor the overall nutritional values of their regular shopping, which could help them to eat more healthily. Access to information about energy consumption could make it easier for households to switch tariffs and get the best rates on gas and electricity. The "midata" access plan was developed following research by the Government's Behavioural Insights Team, which studies the way people behave. It found that giving people more information about their own choices was often the most effective way of persuading them to make changes. Jo Swinson, the consumer affairs minister, said that more disclosure would help customers get a better deal. "Many businesses reap huge commercial benefits from the information they gather from consumers" daily spending patterns," she said. Why shouldn't consumers also benefit from this by having access to their own data to enable them to make better choices? Richard Lloyd, of Which?, the consumer group, welcomed the plans and said they would increase consumer power. "We're pleased to see the Government putting in place measures to give people the right to data that companies hold on them," he said. Giving consumers more power with their personal data will help them make better use of their money and that's not only good for customer-friendly businesses, but good for growth in the economy.