Councils given power to snoop on calls and emails

[Gromit]

Councils and public bodies are to be able to access all email, telephone and internet records, sparking new fears over the surveillance state.

Towns halls, along with police, security services and other public bodies will be able to view "communications" details of any one suspected of crime. But critics fear the move will simply pave the way for authorities to spy on millions of citizens and taxpayers. The power is contained in a new statutory order quietly laid before parliament yesterday.

If approved, it will come into effect from next month and cost the public more than �46 million to set up and run over the next eight years.

Bodies will not be allowed to see the content of communications but will have access to data such as who was called or texted and when or which websites were visited.Councils to be given power to snoop on calls and emails.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/pol itics/lawandorder/4594349/Councils-to-be-given -power-to-snoop-on-calls-and-emails.html

How happy are we about this new law enforcement tool?

[anotheoldgit]

Very good news indeed for all the Stalinist, hand wringing liberal lefftys on this site.

This is the kind of thing that the sensible right has been warning about for ages, but you lot seemed perfectly happy for it to go ahead.

Cheers, welcome to your new country.

[The Sherman]

I knew it was too good to be true!
That question looked to be of actual qquality and could maybe provoke some good debate and discussion.
but no by the second post it has been reduced to mud slinging by possibly the most famous poster on this website now!

[olddutch]

No Sherman - I think Gromit is the most famous poster on this website - and AOG possibly second.

[Gromit]

Thanks olddutch, have some stars.

[carsonking]

How strange the lack of replys to this one, i guess some people are still trying to get the egg off thier faces, try a brillo pad.

[DrFilth]

will be able to view "communications" details of any one suspected of crime.

that is everybody, tax evasion , benefit fraud, you name it they can check for it. remember suspected of crime ?



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[Gromit]

It would appear from the lack of replies that most people are not bothered that the council can see who you are phoning and emailing.

I am sure there will not be any abuses of this new investigative power, that the suspicions and excuses for using this power, will not be bogus or frivolous.

Nothing like that has happened before has it?

[DrFilth]

I am sure there will not be any abuses of this new investigative power

you must be joking


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[Gromit]

Er.., yes I was.

[jno]

er, well, just for the record, I think it stinks, and I don't think it's a party-political or left-right thing; if the Tories take power they won't change a clause of it.

[BillyBB]

It's absolutely disgusting and everybody, whatever their political leaning, should be against this if they are pro freedom, free speech and democracy.
Some of the worst councils for abuse of RIPA are Tory, we need major reform in this country to make them more accountable to local voters.

[another-view]

I've nothing to hide. If it will help crack down on crime/terrorism then I'm all for it.

"It would appear from the lack of replies that most people are not bothered that the council can see who you are phoning and emailing. "

Yep, got it in one.