Latest reports from the government are that Internet service providers (ISPs) in the UK are to begin gathering all details relating to their users emails or any communications for a year. This
initiative will begin on 15th March.

The Home Office has reported that this is a required process to meet the European Data Retention Directive.

It is believed that the cost of this project could exceed £70 million and ISPs are expected to approach the government for a contribution towards these costs.

Understandably, these measures have upset many groups concerned about privacy. It has been suggested that these measures are going to open up a huge area where individual’s privacy will be invaded. This is because under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, many local and central government departments will have the
ability to access the stored information.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act was introduced as a method for tackling terrorism but it has already been used for many minor offences. This criticism has already been levied at the local government departments which is why there is some negativity over the new regulations.

It has been suggested that the UK government may review the Communications Bill. The purpose of this would be to implement a central database in order to manage all of the communications information from the ISPs. This could be run by the private sector. It will still need to be decided whether ISPs will provide the government with the data or they will collect it at the source.

The bill is intended to act as a central source of data for the police to access when investigating serious crime to assist them with tracking suspects online movements.

Critics of the scheme suggest that it will provide the police with the ability to monitor the entire nation as opposed to specific individuals.

Further Mobile Broadband T-Mobile Information

Data Capture - Providing high quality forms data capture, ocr conversion, document management and document scanning services to reduce the need for data entry. A leading provider in the UK based in Manchester with offices in London…  

forms-data-capture.co.uk