About RIPA
See other news storiesConsultation launched on communications data
27 April 2009
A public consultation was launched in April 209 on how communications information should be collected and stored in order to prevent crime, catch and prosecute criminals.
The consultation Protecting the public in a changing communications environment outlines ways to collect and retain communications data and seeks views on how to strike the right balance between privacy and security.
Earlier this year, a public consultation was launched on how communications information should be collected and stored in order to prevent crime, catch and prosecute criminals.
The consultation Protecting the public in a changing communications environment (new window) outlines ways to collect and retain communications data and seeks views on how to strike the right balance between privacy and security.
The system the government is proposing is based on the current model where Communications Service Providers (CSPs) collect and store the data and where we have strict and effective safeguards in place to regulate access by public authorities.
The government proposes:
- legislating to allow all data that public authorities might need, including third party data (data generated by communications services based overseas but crossing the networks in the UK) to be collected and retained by CSPs
- having CSPs process the data to enable specific requests by public authorities – such as the police and Security Service - to be processed quickly and comprehensively.
Statement from the then Home Secretary
Previous Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said, 'My key priority is to protect the citizens of the UK and communications data is an essential tool for law enforcement agencies to track murderers and paedophiles, save lives and tackle crime.
'Advances in communications mean that there are ever more sophisticated ways to communicate and we need to ensure that we keep up with the technology being used by those who would seek to do us harm.
'It is essential that the police and other crime fighting agencies have the tools they need to do their job. However, to be clear there are absolutely no plans for a single central store.
'We recognise that there is a delicate balance between privacy and security, but to do nothing is not an option as we would be failing in our duty to protect the public.'
See the Home Secretary's statement on the communications data consultation (new window)
