Or we have the same opinions about a government uber database of mobile, internet and email activity, accessible by parking meter gestapo and bin police. I heard him on the Today programme this week, and I must say that he has picked up my arguments rather well :)
However, in contemplating this database, the focus so far has been on the consumer. But we must remember that a lot of this activity is business-related. So are various government departments liable to have access to sensitive commercial information? When businesses are bidding for government tenders, might htis not be of concern?
The government (to use a broad term for all civil servants and councils) have a poor record in data security, and a consequent trust rating of about -2. Being able to snoop on all sorts of sensitive communications will raise suspicions.
As DD said on Today, everyone can understand the need to be able to monitor communications activity if there is reasonable suspicion ot terrorist activity or serious crime, as long as there is a black and white mechanism for getting approval to snoop. Bin infringements are not serious enough.
There is no real excuse to make this data available over a broad cross-section of the civil service and local government. MI5 yes, the Flying Squad, yes. Bin infringement Officer, third class, no.
We should all emigrate to somewher with decent weather, affordable housing and fundamental freedoms from Nanny State spies
Hugh Bessant
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Member since: 03 Jun 2008
Last login: 20 Nov 2008
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