Stuart Corner
Friday, 18 July 2008 13:23
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
In its
draft legislative programme for 2008/9 it has flagged its intention to introduce a new Communications Data Bill "to allow communications data capabilities for the prevention and detection of crime and protection of national security to keep up with changing technology through providing for the collection and retention of such data, including data not required for the business purposes of communications service providers."
The main elements of the Bill include: "Modify the procedures for acquiring communications data and allow this data to be retained." The bill would, the Government claims, "bring the legislative framework on access to communications data up to date with changes taking place in the telecommunications industry and the move to using Internet Protocol (IP) core networks."
This is being interpreted, justifiably I think, as giving the government the right to create "a centralised police database holding details of every phone call and text message you've sent and websites you've visited?"
And it is not just some ratbag blogger who's expressing these fears. It is none other than the UK's Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, in
a speech to co-incide with the release of the organisation's annual report.
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