Details: Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one database against other computer records held by the same or another database. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows people to match information with one another to see if they coincide, potentially preventing fraudulent claims and payments to occur. If the data match is inconcistent, further investigation is required to fix the problem.
IT Components Involved:

• 2 or more computers
• Internet connection (for if the data match is used with a distant database)
• 2 or more databases
• Data match software (ex. Datamatcher)

Advantages:

• prevent fraud
• chance of identity theft is minimized
• quick exchange of information or data

Disadvantages:

• potential loss in privacy
• if the database is hacked into, several people could lose thier private information
• incorrect information in the databases can lead to incorrect data matches

Social & Ethical Issues:

• Integrity: incorrect database information can result in incorrect data matches
• Security: if the databases are hacked into, several people could be risking their private information
• Privacy: same as the security
• Policies & Standards: wrong use of the data matching software could lose people their private information

http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=5120
http://www.itexaminer.com/pervasive-software-debuts-advanced-data-matching.aspx