End of the Internet...
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- kezza_2
...as we know it? UK proposals for watching us on the interweb.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_po…
The government wants to expand its surveillance remit into social networking websites, such as Facebook and Bebo, to track down terrorists who use the sites to plot attacks.
In a speech regarding international terrorism this morning, home secretary Jacqui Smith stressed the need for new laws that would allow officials to keep track of potential terrorists by collecting online information from social networking and online gaming sites.
Presently, security officials can demand to see telephone and email traffic from communications services providers, companies that transport information electronically, usually for billing purposes.
However, Smith said that new CSPs, like social network sites, online gaming, auction and video sites, where services are offered for free and data is not stored, are a potential hotbed for terrorist activity.
New legislation would make it possible for this information to be collected and stored, she said.
She underlined the difference between accessing the content of these messages and collecting communications data, which only reveals the name and location of the speakers, not the content of the message.
Smith said: "There are no plans for an enormous database which will contain the content of your emails, the texts that you send or the chats you have on the phone or online. Local authorities do not have the power to listen to your calls now and they never will in the future."
The government will be conducting a three-month consultation period in the new year to see the feasibility of new legislation.
The plans drew criticism from the opposition and information privacy groups.
Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne said: "The government's Orwellian plans for a vast database of our private communications are deeply worrying.
- vivid0
bollox to them...I aint got nothing to hide...hmmmm
- digdre0
42
- fugged0
you don't think you're being tracked already?
- Bluejam0
goddamn those pesky terrorists
- thebottlerocket0
Privacy concens: yes. But not sure if its the 'end' as I don't think the ability to send messages through 3rd party sites (social networking, auction houses, etc) is so unique that any restriction on this would result in the removal of an essential characteristic of the web. Its just messaging.
- thebottlerocket0
The 'real life' example wold be tracking peoples conversations at a pub or following suspects around when they meet in innocuous places. That sort of surveillance is happening already.
- 23kon0
Its hardly going to stop terrorists. Wouldnt they just swap messages via other messages or get Mr IT Terrorist to come up with some secure website that uses encrypted messaging?!!!!!
I like the way in that news story they try to make us think this breach of privacy is a good thing because it helped convict the london bombers.
Yeah, but it didnt f*cking PREVENT it happening though did it?!
The government knows everyone you poke at the moment anyway, they's just keeping schtum.
- nearestexit0
really, i think it was ALL over the moment airports started confiscating toothpaste and deodorant.
- Raniator0
it's an invasion of privacy, yes. but if you have nothing to hide it shouldn't really worry you. it's only a problem if you're a criminal.
- 23kon0
Chossy has found a way of SAVING websites and the internet!
http://www.qbn.com/topics/569453…
SAVE US CHOSSY!!!
- SkyPoo0
"We simply do not believe that terrorists are using Myspace to plan terrorist attacks"
" Okay, we'll show you. Can we show them some evidence please Brian"
"Yep, sure, just give me twenty fours hours to rustle something compelling up"
"But... you're just going to fabricate soemthing now, that's not proof"
"Would you like us to blow up a bus to bring the message home? Will that be enough to convince you?"
"Erm... "
