Terrorist database sparks privacy fears
The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has revealed possible plans to compile an extensive database as part of the war on terrorism. It has also been suggested that a private company may be used administer the database, including recording details of telephone calls, emails and internet use. Under the current system, information has to be specifically requested from communications companies and internet service providers, but is not always readily available.
Ms Smith said that access to such data was an instrumental part in fighting terrorism and that the UK must adapt to technological changes if it is to deal with terrorism and organised crime effectively. “It is a difficult and sensitive area, which is why we will consult on a range of options. But I think doing nothing is not an option here if we are going to see our ability to deal with serious crime and terrorism actually eroded in the future.”
The proposed consultation has prompted concern from civil liberties groups and critics of the scheme fear that the idea raises serious privacy issues. Former Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald told the Guardian newspaper that he was not convinced by the Home Secretary’s assurances. “All history tells us that reassurances like these are worthless in the long run. In the first security crisis the locks would loosen.”
Derrick Cameron, MD of IT business specialists Eximium, acknowledges the importance of having access to potentially sensitive data, but recognises concerns that opposition groups have. ”This would be a massive undertaking for any private company. The database will be enormous and will need some serious software to ensure that security is tight. We have seen too many security breaches by public departments recently: people are naturally cautious and apprehensive about how secure the data will be and what it will be used for. However, it is an essential part of the fight against serious crime and terrorism that the appropriate organisations have access to this type of data. Whatever the outcome, the Government will need to have a thorough consultation to ensure they get the processes right.”
This entry was posted on Monday, February 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 am and is filed under Business Advice, Data Security, IT Advice, News . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
