Menu
29/01/2008
Government Departments Tap 1,000 Phones A Day
Police, government intelligence officials, and even councils are now tapping phones at a rate of up to 1,000 a day, according to a document released by a government Commissioner.
Sir Paul Kennedy, Interception of Communications Commissioner, has released the startling figure in his latest report to the government, igniting fears that the privacy of everyday British people is being diminished.
The report found, even more worryingly, that over 1,000 of the bugging operations were conducted incorrectly due to administrative errors, allowing authorities access in to the private lives of innocent people.
Labour Home Affairs Committee Member, David Winnick, said greater legal protection was needed to prevent abuse of the new surveillance powers, pointing out that Britain already has more CCTV cameras per person than any other country in the world.
He said: "Most of these operations are needed and done for good reasons, but the numbers do raise concerns about the safeguards we have put in place to protect people from constant intrusion."
Mr Winnick added Britain is drifting towards the scenario warned about in books such as George Orwell’s classic 1984.
The report shows that in the last nine months alone of 2006, there were 253,557 applications by authorities to intercept private communications under the present surveillance laws. Most of which were approved.
In that period 122 local authorities sought to obtain people's private communications in more than 1,600 cases.
(DW)
Sir Paul Kennedy, Interception of Communications Commissioner, has released the startling figure in his latest report to the government, igniting fears that the privacy of everyday British people is being diminished.
The report found, even more worryingly, that over 1,000 of the bugging operations were conducted incorrectly due to administrative errors, allowing authorities access in to the private lives of innocent people.
Labour Home Affairs Committee Member, David Winnick, said greater legal protection was needed to prevent abuse of the new surveillance powers, pointing out that Britain already has more CCTV cameras per person than any other country in the world.
He said: "Most of these operations are needed and done for good reasons, but the numbers do raise concerns about the safeguards we have put in place to protect people from constant intrusion."
Mr Winnick added Britain is drifting towards the scenario warned about in books such as George Orwell’s classic 1984.
The report shows that in the last nine months alone of 2006, there were 253,557 applications by authorities to intercept private communications under the present surveillance laws. Most of which were approved.
In that period 122 local authorities sought to obtain people's private communications in more than 1,600 cases.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2013
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
09 July 2009
Cameron Defends Under-Fire Adviser
David Cameron has vowed to stand by a former News of the World journalist - now working as a top Tory media adviser - accused of allowing phone tapping to be carried out under his watch as editor of the paper.
Cameron Defends Under-Fire Adviser
David Cameron has vowed to stand by a former News of the World journalist - now working as a top Tory media adviser - accused of allowing phone tapping to be carried out under his watch as editor of the paper.
25 May 2011
No Immediate Changes To UK Website Operations
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey has written a letter to the online industry to confirm that there will be no overnight changes to website operation as a result of new EU rules on cookies.
No Immediate Changes To UK Website Operations
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey has written a letter to the online industry to confirm that there will be no overnight changes to website operation as a result of new EU rules on cookies.
21 March 2007
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
Council tax report recommends changes
People living in the most expensive properties in England should pay more council tax, a report has recommended.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
