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INDUSTRY NEWS


23 May 2008

Proposed 'communications database' criticised


Technology experts have criticised plans for a database containing details of all phone calls and emails sent in the UK.

The Home Office has proposed establishing the system as part of its fight against crime and terrorism, but it has been questioned how secure a database containing so much personal information could be made.

Jamie Cowper, a data protection specialist from PGP Corporation, warned waned that information of this kind should only be stored is security of the information is of "paramount concern". He also called for an "appropriate measure of checks and balances".

Telecoms companies and internet service providers (ISPs) have already been approached by the government, which would be able to access records of communications from any individual over the previous 12 months by gaining permission through the courts under the new system.

However, confidence in the government's ability to properly secure personal information has been hit in recent months. Back in November 2007, HM Revenues and Customs lost CDs containing the personal details of 25 million child benefit claimants.<br/>

© 2006 Adfero Ltd.

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