UK—Plans for greater Internet monitoring powers spark privacy debate

Government plans to allow for wider monitoring of the public's e-mail and social media communications by police and national security services have divided opinion and attracted criticism from civil liberty campaigners.

The proposals, which are understood to permit access to the date, time and parties of a communication, may be introduced to Parliament via the Queen's speech on 9 May and rely on Internet service providers (ISPs) gathering the information and allowing government intelligence operatives to scrutinise it. The plans have been criticised by some campaigners as potentially facilitating unfettered access to communications, building on laws such as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act —which are already accused by some of undermining the privacy of individuals.

The UK government argues that updated laws are necessary for police and security services to obtain communications data in certain circumstances in order to investigate serious crime and terrorism and to protect the public.

The UK Information Commissioner's Office said in a statement, “The information commissioner's role in this Home Office project, both under this government and the last, has been to press for the necessary limitations and safeguards to mitigate the impact on citizens' privacy. We will continue to seek assurances, including the implementation of the results of a thorough privacy impact assessment (PIA). Ultimately, the decision as to whether to proceed with the project is one which has to be taken by Parliament.”