This I received today may be of interest to those involved with privacy
researches.
David Wyatt
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask]
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 08 January 2001 21:06
To: Subject: EURIM - DSS Fraud Bill
To EURIM Directors
cc Anne Campbell MP
Lord Cope
EURIM Privacy List
>From Philip Virgo
Bill Goodwin of Computer Weekly has rung to tell me that the
DSS Fraud Bill, being introduced in the Lords, contains blanket
powers for investigators to call for bank records et al regarding
those who might be commiting fraud.
Apparently there is no requirement for evidence of fraud and the
powers could be used for fishing expeditions of the kind that
the RIP Act is intended to prevent.
Bill tells me that the submissions from the BBA and Data
Protection Commissioner have been ignored and that he will be
writing an article calling for readers' views later this week.
I seem to recollect that during our meetings with the Home
Office the DSS was one of the departments about which members
were most concerned about when we discussed the need for
effective measure to reduce the risk of spoof warrants. Their
investigators had a track record of claiming access to data
without producing verifiable means of identity.
By copy of this I ask those members of the Privacy list whether
they have any views on this issue and/or would like a meeting
to discuss the issue.
Given our work load I would like to pass the lead on this one
to the first member with expertise and resources to volunteer.
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