UK cybercrime crackdown in breach of human rights

The UK government could face the wrath of EU lawmakers if it proceeds with plans to build a database to store all digital communication transactions for seven years.

Guests on this week's Behind the Headlines programme argued that the proposed database contravened European Human Rights law and could have far reaching international implications. Perri 6, senior research fellow at Strathclyde University explained that the law's article on the right to private life only permitted data monitoring if police believed a defined category of people were involved in criminal activity. "To collect general population data for military and policing purposes, when there is no evidence that a crime has been committed, is incompatible with the Act," he said. Simon Moores, director of the Research Group, warned that while most commentators regard the government's plan as controversial, the idea is inherently dangerous. He said: "We live in a society that has all the apparatus of a police state, but none of the benefits. While the database is not available yet, I suspect if the government wins the next election it could become a very real threat." Chris Bailey, internet rights co-ordinator with the Association for Progressive Communication, agreed that the database would infringe personal privacy. "I think the government is fighting a losing battle in keeping up with electronic communications," he said. "When they started they thought they were involved in tapping a line between two people. They don't realise what they are getting into."