Tuesday, November 03, 2015
Big Brother moves into local government
The provisions of the so-called 'snoopers charter' have been much debated, with Tory Ministers arguing that it is necessary to combat terrorism. That is open to debate and, indeed I have challenged it on a number of occasions on this blog. However, as the Independent points out the upcoming investigatory powers bill goes much further than that.
They say that the bill could give wide-ranging new powers 38 different authorities in the UK, including normal public bodies, as well as the police and spy agencies. These authorities will be able to request information about what websites people have visited and what apps they have used. This means that Council and tax authorities could be given the power to look at people’s internet browsing.
This of course takes the debate beyond one of national security. Should local councils have the ability to search our phone and internet records? I do not think so.
It is bad enough having big brother sitting in 10 Downing Street, without allowing him to stretch his tentacles into other aspects of government and our day-to-day lives.
They say that the bill could give wide-ranging new powers 38 different authorities in the UK, including normal public bodies, as well as the police and spy agencies. These authorities will be able to request information about what websites people have visited and what apps they have used. This means that Council and tax authorities could be given the power to look at people’s internet browsing.
This of course takes the debate beyond one of national security. Should local councils have the ability to search our phone and internet records? I do not think so.
It is bad enough having big brother sitting in 10 Downing Street, without allowing him to stretch his tentacles into other aspects of government and our day-to-day lives.
