UK Government Wants To Monitor E-mails, Surfing, Mobile Phones Usage… Bye Bye Privacy
Last time I checked this was 2008 and not 1984. But after reading The Communications Data Bill (2008), I’m not so sure. Basically this bill will lead to the creation of a single, centralized database containing records of all e-mails sent, websites visited and mobile phones used by UK citizens.
That in a nutshell means that any concept of privacy is gone. Of course we are talking about a nation that has CCTV everywhere, so its not as if they had much privacy to begin with. But it is kind of scary.
In any case, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith says that the cops need these sorts of powers:
“Our ability to intercept communications and obtain communications data is vital to fighting terrorism and combating serious crime, including child sex abuse, murder and drugs trafficking.”
That truly sounds like something out of 1984 to me. Perhaps we should call her “Big Sister?”
So in an IT Nerd first, I’ve posted a poll to see what you think (but that should not stop you from leaving a comment too).
October 24, 2008 at 5:51 am
The news that the government now wants to track our mobile phone calls, texts, emails and internet browsing habits has got me enraged. For the past 11 years, this government has sought more and more control over its citizens, from installing 4.2m CCTV cameras, to the suggestion that we must respond to more and more intrusive questions when they complete the next census. It has simply got to stop.
On this occasion, I have done something about it, in my own small way. I have written an article outlining what the government is seeking to do and my views. But, I have also produced a ‘draft’ letter that can be personalised and sent to local MP’s. I am urging other likeminded people to reproduce the article, to include their own comments, after all, not everyone will agree with all my comments and then publicise it. Maybe we can start a programme where people start to bombard their MP’s with a demand that they do not support the latest data communication bill. The link is here if you would care to take a look.
http://www.power-to-the-people.co.uk/2008/10/public-call-time-big-brother-britain/