Home Office plans to implement broader web surveillance powers

The Government plans to widen the scope of its internet surveillance powers to include spying on people's social networking and gaming accounts.

The Home Office Communications Capabilities Directorate (CCD) is currently putting together proposals that would force internet service providers (ISPs) to retain communications that go beyond their current remit of telephone, text and email conversations.

The stated purpose is by letting help law-enforcement and intelligence agencies monitor and intercept conversations on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging and even online gaming sites, they can better tackle crime and terrorism.

However ISPs have made their concern clear about the introduction of such sweeping powers.

A representative for the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA UK) said: "It is important that proposals to update Government's capabilities to intercept and retain communications data in the new communications environment are proportionate, respect freedom of expression and the privacy of users, and are widely consulted upon in an open and transparent manner."

The Home Office has not commented, but it is expected that the CCD will publish initial proposals at the end of April. From there it is expected the Government would introduce new legislation to enable this broader web interception.

Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group said "The coalition opposed Labour's plans when in opposition. Now, despite civil liberties commitments from Conservatives and Lib Dems, Home Office officials are planning to push through the same online surveillance capabilities.

"They are not telling Parliament, and hope they can slip commitments to build these new surveillance plans before the politicians really know what they are proposing."