Pyxis Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 If this is true, it's crazy! Why should 60 million people lose all the rights to their privacy because of a few terrorists? Government to log every phone call, email and text Critics slam an 'Orwellian step too far' Written by Iain Thomson The UK government is planning a huge database that would hold details of all phone calls, text messages, emails and internet use of every UK citizen. The database is being touted as a way to combat terrorism and will be introduced in a new Communications Data Bill planned for the Queen's Speech in November. Information would be held for 12 months and could be accessed by police and security services in possession of a court order. "We have warned before that we are sleepwalking into a surveillance society, " said assistant Information Commissioner Jonathan Bamford. "Holding large collections of data is always risky. The more data that is collected and stored, the bigger the problem when the data is lost, traded or stolen. "Defeating crime and terrorism is of the utmost importance, but we are not aware of any pressing need to justify the government holding this sort of data. " Technology companies have been quick to challenge the move, pointing out that such a vast database would be immensely difficult to manage, would be a boon to identity thieves and would do little to counter terrorism. Jamie Cowper, a data protection and encryption expert at PGP Corporation, said: "You have to admire the government's gall in attempting to bring in yet another 'super-database' with public confidence still in tatters over recent data lapses. "Surely it would be more logical to focus on fixing the existing databases and proving their security before introducing new ones. "The bottom line is that information of this nature should only be held if it can be demonstrated that an appropriate system of checks and balances is in place and the security of the information being stored is of paramount concern. " The unprecedented amount of data to be stored and analysed has raised particular concerns. Over 50 billion text messages are sent each year in the UK, and over three billion emails are sent every day. "The database would have to manage exponentially growing volumes of 'unstructured' data," said Chris Dean, director at independent IT consultancy DWM Group. "The huge amount of information generated by emails, phone calls and web browsing will make the task of collating and retrieving information on demand enormous. "Unless very carefully designed [this database] could become a white elephant because of performance problems." The proposals will face a rough ride getting through parliament. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis has referred to the database as more of a threat than a support in stopping crime, and Liberal Democrats have pledged to fight the moves. "Ministers have taken leave of their senses if they think that this proposal is compatible with a free country and a free people," said Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne. "Given its appalling track record of data loss, this government simply cannot be trusted with private information. This is an Orwellian step too far." http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2217073/government-plans-database-phone
nightwolf Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 They can log all they want. I just reckon it's so they can read and listen to saucy calls/texts/emails. edit: does it not conflict with the data protection act?
ShadowV7 Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Screw them. They're not allowed to read any of my things. The government is getting to nosey for my liking
D_prOdigy Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 If any official is reading this, the people in those photos sent to me recently are all over 18.
The fish Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 If this is passed, the minute it comes into effect, I'm sending everyone who's number is in my phone a message saying "omg lets bring down the government in a violent revolution lolololol! =P", just to see what would happen... I should point out that the network carriers already log all the data, so it won't really make a difference, except it makes it quicker for the government to get access to ones they feel the need to see.
Pyxis Posted May 20, 2008 Author Posted May 20, 2008 Well just imagine having access to all of that information, you could know absolutely everything about any person you wanted to. Creepy...
nightwolf Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 yeah and just imagine if that got stolen, way to go government find another way to failboat...^.^
The fish Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 yeah and just imagine if that got stolen, way to go government find another way to failboat...^.^ Um, it can get stolen from the network carriers as it stands...
chairdriver Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 As long as you aren't a paedo, I reckon it won't even affect you, so it's not THAT big a deal.
nightwolf Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Um, it can get stolen from the network carriers as it stands... Oh no what I mean is remember when all the bank information got stolen recently? I mean similar to that another way for everybody to hate the government Not the fact it can get stolen anyway from each.
Mr. Bananagrabber Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Good thing I rarely call, email or text anyone. ...
Twozzok Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 You guys think this won't get laughed out of existence? Dump proposals get proposed all the time, it's only the /really/ dumb ones that the media pick up on. Usually on a slow news day. Aka. not gonna happen.
The fish Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Oh no what I mean is remember when all the bank information got stolen recently? I mean similar to that another way for everybody to hate the government Not the fact it can get stolen anyway from each. I doubt it got stolen, the disks are probably under some junk on someone's desk somewhere. One thing people do with the current government is spot one tiny ineffectual error, and leap on it in a fashion that the American public would do to their government if they cut funding to illegal, trouble-making expansionist idiots (Israel).
nightwolf Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 I doubt it got stolen, the disks are probably under some junk on someone's desk somewhere. One thing people do with the current government is spot one tiny ineffectual error, and leap on it in a fashion that the American public would do to their government if they cut funding to illegal, trouble-making expansionist idiots (Israel). Sounds about right, but it doesn't bode well either way for the government. Twozzok I'm unsure this has been said for a couple of years now, so I guess it could happen, it's just whether they finally go through with it or not.
thirtynine. Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 This isnt even possable, they tell lies. You think they can realisticly hold millions of peoples information, there is no point.
Twozzok Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Twozzok I'm unsure this has been said for a couple of years now, so I guess it could happen, it's just whether they finally go through with it or not. "The plans, reported in the Times, are at an early stage and may be included in the draft Communications Bill later this year, the Home Office confirmed." It'll just get laughed out of the commons. The media jumps on a lot of things saying crap like' it's a massive fight between MP's' even when bills get 'nayed' by a vast majority.
Moohawk! Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 If this was anywhere near to being passed it'd be all over the front pages tomorrow. As others have said, dumb shit gets proposed all the time, it's likely to get laughed out. Do note though how our Government infringes on our privacy and civil liberties all in the name of 'preventing terrorism' Hmm...
Twozzok Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Do note though how our Government infringes on our privacy and civil liberties all in the name of 'preventing terrorism' Examples? tententen
Coolness Bears Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Good thing I rarely call, email or text anyone. ... *is in the same boat* Yay? I guess... I don't want the government watching my every move! I'm paranoid enough as it is!
Daft Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 It's turning into a Mirror's Edge scenario...time to brush up on my free running.
Haver Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 I have nothing to hide! It is eccentric, but not illegal
Shorty Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Never going to happen. And even if it passed, it says 'the details of' your messages, not the content itself. it's only the /really/ dumb ones that the media pick up on.Yknow, you can actually do italics on these forums ctrl+i!
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