UK communications companies have been required to keep records of all data that is transmitted across their networks. Plans are currently being laid out as to how this will have to be conducted. But all manner of data will be retained from email and Internet access to calls made.

It is important that ISPs deal with the matter effectively as there are a whole hosts of potential security issues that could occur. There are many security issues that have been highlighted in the media recently and the data will be potentially valuable to hackers.

It is needed to be understood who will access the data and how it will be regulated to ensure it is not abused. An industry spokesman has commented that current systems in place by ISPs may not meet the demands of a new system. ISPs are not always as large as the major communications companies so may not be able to effectively manage the huge amounts of data that will be required. Because of this, large investments will need to be made to ensure it runs smoothly.