You can run but you can never hide what you do online might be
the government's new motto, as the first draft of the
Communications Data Bill has just been published
confirming everyone's silent fear, mainly that ISPs will be
expected to log everything users do online.
That's right - your online activity is going to be
monitored if the Bill gets the green
light.
Some compared this to being a part of a reality TV show.
Anything users do online, from emails, internet banking and using
Instant Messaging software such as Skype will be noted and put into
a data base. ISPs will also be required to log the users' social
media presence - so everyone will have to think twice before
sending out a tweet.
This enraged thousands, with Nick Pickles, head
of the Big Brother Watch Lobbyist Group, commenting that:
"The bill is as expected - an unprecedented and unwarranted
attack on our privacy that will see the government track where we
make calls, who we e-mail and what everyone does online. We are all
suspects now. "
It is hoped that this Bill will help to track down
no-gooders such as criminals or paedophiles by keeping a
keen eye on EVERYONE's web activity, regardless of the person's
criminal history or lack thereof.
At the moment, ISPs are required to store information such as
email and browsing logs - however not the content of the
aforementioned.
The ball is in the UK Government's court now. It is to decide
whether such legislation would actually
prevent/minimise online crime or establish whether
other solutions should be sought.