Privacy, especially with the advent of the internet, has become one of the most important assets in modern life, but we could very well see even our best attempts at privacy falter under the prying eyes of the powers in charge.
According to a report from The Telegraph, incoming UK legislation could enable the Government to have on-demand access to your emails, calls and browsing history, and would let the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) take a peek at your online activities.
The new law could be revealed during the Queen’s Speech next month.
Internet service providers would be instructed to install special technology that would allow the GCHQ to access information at will.
The actual content of your emails or calls wouldn’t be revealed without a warrant, but the new law would make it possible for the agency to look at details of your communication, such as who you were talking to and when.
Says the Home Office:
“It is vital that police and security services are able to obtain communications data in certain circumstances to investigate serious crime and terrorism to protect the public … We need to take action to maintain the continued availability of communications data as technology changes.”
In 2006, the Government had plans for a similar law, but it was scrapped due to fierce opposition.
Privacy advocates have spoken out against the new law. Nick Pickles of the Big Brother Watch campaign likened the new legislation to the online surveillance that takes place in China and Iran.
What do you think of the new law? Would you feel comfortable handing your phone calls and PC browsing histories over to a Government representative or would you prefer the Government keeps its nose out of your business?