Super database a 'step too far'

Proposals to create a 'super database' that would log every phone call, text and email in the UK have been called into question by Information Commissioner Richard Thomas.

Speculation has been rife that the government intends to create a giant database after talking about "modifying procedures for acquiring communications data" in the Communications Data Bill.

Thomas described the creation of such a database, which would offer security agencies access to all telephone and internet communications made in the UK, as "a step too far for the British way of life".

"Do we really want the police, security services and other organs of the state to have access to more and more aspects of our private lives?" Thomas asked at the launch of the Information Commissioner's annual report.

Under the current system police and intelligence agencies are required to request telecoms companies for information on phone calls, texts messages and surfing history.

The new proposals would overturn the right of ISPs and telcos to query any such request, which can currently be referred to the Interception Commissioner or an alternative watchdog.

Dealing with the volume of all communications made in the UK would require a database of unprecedented size.

Some 57 billion text messages were sent in Britain last year, while three million emails are thought to be sent every day.

See also:

European data directive 'not fit for purpose'

UK Information Commissioner calls for international debate  07 Jul 2008

Minister may have broken data security rules

Red faces all round as Hazel Blears's laptop is stolen  18 Jun 2008

ICO warns of 'substantial' fines for data breaches

Information Commissioner's Office gets tough  12 May 2008

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