Politicians considering introduction of ‘Big Brother’ data tracking

by Stevie Smith - May 21 2008, 11:32

Using crime prevention and national security as motivational reasoning, UK Government ministers are currently mulling over the possible introduction of a huge data storage system that would record details relating to every phone call and e-mail communication dispatched throughout the country.

UK government looking to introduce communication-tracking database. Image: Tim Parkinson.

First uncovered by a Times Online report, the British Home Office has said that plans to implement the information database are only preliminary at this point in time, but could well be brought before the government later in the year as part of an official Communications Bill.“The Communications Data Bill will help ensure that crucial capabilities in the use of communications data for counter-terrorism and investigation of crime continue to be available,” commented a Home Office spokesman. “These powers will continue to be subject to strict safeguards to ensure the right balance between privacy and protecting the public.”While protecting national security and helping to stamp out crime are powerful arguments for such a data collection system, there are those who will see the Home Office’s plan as teetering dangerously on the verge of Orwellian monitoring.For example, Jonathan Bamford of the Information Commission, an independent authority created to protect personal information, commented that the organisation is “not aware of any justification for the state to hold every UK citizen’s phone and Internet records.”Along with pointing out the associated risks of data loss, theft and trading, Mr. Bamford also went on to say the emergence of an all-encompassing communication database would be considered “a step too far” by the government and that the Information Commission holds “real doubts that such a measure can be justified, or is proportionate or desirable.”Also opposing the plan by referencing recent sensitive data leaks that rocked the government, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said that “given [ministers’] appalling record at maintaining the integrity of databases holding people’s sensitive data, this could well be more of a threat to our security, than a support.” If plans for the database are put forward by the Home Office, its creation would require that Internet service providers and telecommunication companies submit user records, which would then be stored for a period of at least twelve months -- during which time the police and other security services would be able to seek court-approved access to it.

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wandaMay 21st, 2008 - 21:21:26

Well,by listening, watching and paying attention I am seeing/coming to see That all the 'Nations touting Personal Freedoms' for all 'peoples' is a Lie all over the world.
The Governments of the world and the men and women in high positions over 'the people' can't keep with their own affairs in order and out of the news and then THEY want too keep an eye/ear on me thinking THEY can find ME saying about them that THEY don't like or doing something that THEY can use as an excuse too hold me in custody without reason or release.
None of the Governments are out for the good of their people. They are out for the betterment of themselves. And filling their bankrolls and life styles on the backs of the people They are to be working for and helping inhance our lives.
So well,well and Lord, Lord 'Ain't we got alot too be proud of, happy with and to look forward to.

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