Information Commissioner says database threatens way of life

Plans to store the telephone and internet communications of the entire population are a “step too far for the British way of life”, according to the Information Commissioner.

Richard Thomas warned yesterday that speculation about the Government considering such a database has been reinforced by its Draft Legislative Programme. This refers to a proposed Communications Data Bill, and talks about ‘modifying procedures for acquiring communications data’.

Speaking at the launch of his annual report, Mr Thomas said there had been too many recent developments where there had been insufficient transparency, openness and public debate.

He cited the expansion of the DNA database and the centralised collection and retention of data from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras as two recent examples.

“I am absolutely clear that the targeted, and duly authorised, interception of the communications of suspects can be invaluable in the fight against terrorism and other serious crime," he said. “But there needs to be the fullest public debate about the justification for, and implications of, a specially-created database – potentially accessible to a wide range of law enforcement authorities – holding details of everyone’s telephone and internet communications.

“Do we really want the police, security services and other organs of the state to have access to more and more aspects of our private lives?”

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has also served enforcement notices against HM Revenue & Customs and the MoD for their recent high-profile data breaches.

Both departments must now provide progress reports documenting in detail how the recommendations have been, or are being, implemented to improve data protection compliance. Failure to comply with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence.

Mr Thomas' annual report highlights that the ICO received 24,851 enquiries and complaints concerning personal information in 2007/8. It has prosecuted 11 individuals and organisations in the past 12 months.

The ICO received 2,646 freedom of information complaints over the past year and closed 2,658. Three hundred and ninety-five formal Decision Notices were issued and of these, 30 per cent ruled in favour of the complainant while 25 per cent upheld public authorities’ original decisions. In 45 per cent of cases, the ICO upheld some elements of the complaint in favour of the complainant and agreed with the public authority on others.