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Warning over phone calls database Warning over phone calls database
(about 2 hours later)
A central database holding details of everyone's phone calls and emails could be a "step too far for the British way of life", ministers have been warned.A central database holding details of everyone's phone calls and emails could be a "step too far for the British way of life", ministers have been warned.
Plans for such a database are rumoured to be in the Communications Data Bill.Plans for such a database are rumoured to be in the Communications Data Bill.
But Information Commissioner Richard Thomas said "lines must be drawn" to defend "fundamental liberties".But Information Commissioner Richard Thomas said "lines must be drawn" to defend "fundamental liberties".
He told the BBC he was not aware of such a database in any other democracy. He said there had also not been enough debate on the expanded DNA database.He told the BBC he was not aware of such a database in any other democracy. He said there had also not been enough debate on the expanded DNA database.
In his annual report, Mr Thomas addressed speculation about plans for a government-run database holding telephone and internet communications of the entire British population. In his annual report, Mr Thomas addressed speculation about plans for a government-run database holding details of telephone and internet communications of the entire British population.
'Full transparency''Full transparency'
He warned that while "targeted and duly authorised" interception of terrorist and other serious crime suspects' communications could be "invaluable" - there should be a full public debate on the justification for such a wide-ranging database.He warned that while "targeted and duly authorised" interception of terrorist and other serious crime suspects' communications could be "invaluable" - there should be a full public debate on the justification for such a wide-ranging database.
"Do we really want the police, security services and other organs of the state to have access to more and more aspects of our private lives?" he said in the report."Do we really want the police, security services and other organs of the state to have access to more and more aspects of our private lives?" he said in the report.
We do have to stand up and say these are our fundamental liberties and our freedoms and lines have to be drawn somewhere Richard ThomasInformation Commissioner Later he told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme: "I'm not saying it's right or wrong but I think there should be absolute full transparency."
Later he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm not saying it's right or wrong but I think there should be absolute full transparency."
He said it may make the work of the police simpler, but added: "We do have to stand up and say these are our fundamental liberties and our freedoms and lines have to be drawn somewhere, and there should be a full democratic debate about where exactly the lines should be drawn."He said it may make the work of the police simpler, but added: "We do have to stand up and say these are our fundamental liberties and our freedoms and lines have to be drawn somewhere, and there should be a full democratic debate about where exactly the lines should be drawn."
Speculation that the Home Office is considering collecting the information from phone companies and internet service providers has increased because the government has talked about "modifying procedures for acquiring communications data" in its proposed Communications Data Bill. Speculation that the government is considering collecting the information - including numbers dialled, websites visited and location of mobile phones being used - has increased because it has talked about "modifying procedures for acquiring communications data" in its proposed Communications Data Bill.
Internet revolutionInternet revolution
Currently police and intelligence agencies can ask telecommunication providers for information on phone calls made, texts sent and internet sites visited.Currently police and intelligence agencies can ask telecommunication providers for information on phone calls made, texts sent and internet sites visited.
The provider can query the request, which might then go to the interception commissioner and another watchdog - but under the new proposals, that right would be removed.The provider can query the request, which might then go to the interception commissioner and another watchdog - but under the new proposals, that right would be removed.
Among those who have raised concerns is the Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker, who has said he anticipates the government will try to silence concerns by accusing critics of being "soft on terrorism". The changes to the way we communicate, due particularly to the internet revolution, will increasingly undermine our current capabilities to obtain communications data Home Office
He argues that while technology has moved on "apace", the protections for the individual have not. In a statement the Home Office, which did not deny plans for a database, said: "The changes to the way we communicate, due particularly to the internet revolution, will increasingly undermine our current capabilities to obtain communications data - essential for counter-terrorism and investigation of crime purpose - and use it to protect the public."
The Home Office did not deny any plans for a database and said: "The changes to the way we communicate, due particularly to the internet revolution, will increasingly undermine our current capabilities to obtain communications data - essential for counter-terrorism and investigation of crime purpose - and use it to protect the public."
It added that as a result there could be "serious consequences" for police and intelligence gathering.It added that as a result there could be "serious consequences" for police and intelligence gathering.
"To ensure that the agencies can continue to use this valuable tool, the government is planning to bring forward the Communications Data Bill.""To ensure that the agencies can continue to use this valuable tool, the government is planning to bring forward the Communications Data Bill."
It said a draft bill would be published later this year "allowing for full engagement with Parliament and the public".
Elsewhere in his report, Mr Thomas notes that he is serving two enforcement notices against HM Revenue and Customs and the Ministry of Defence after "recent high profile data breaches".
The departments will have to give progress reports on what they are doing to "improve data protection compliance".
He also points out that 11 people and organisations have been prosecuted by his office in the past 12 months.
Of the 395 formal decision notices issued over Freedom of Information complaints - 30% ruled in favour of the complainant, 25% in favour of the public authority's original decision and in 45% of cases - some elements of both were upheld.
Mr Thomas said the attitude of government to Freedom of Information had become "more positive" - after a proposal to change fees regulations had "disappeared".