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Comms Data Bill: I know what you did online last summer

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.

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     Last updated on 15 June 2012
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