The UK government dropped the case for a single government-run database but has asked communications firms to record all internet activity and make it available to security services upon request.
According to the BBC technology website, the new system would track all e-mails, phone calls and internet use, including visits to social network sites. Communication service providers (CSPs) will be asked to record internet contacts between people, but not the content, similar to the existing arrangements to log telephone contacts.
Based on this deal, ISPs will now be able to store more details about user’s activities and facilitate the use of the controversial behavioural marketing strategy like Phorm. How close will this gathering of data be monitored? How can we know for sure that our online behaviour is not going to be sold to third parties for marketing (SPAM) purposes? What about personal privacy?
The Home Office has released the Official Data Consultation document with guidances and regulations.
