The problem is not the use of RIPA powers per se in this particular case.
The problem is that these powers were sold to Parliament on grounds of
serious crime, terrorism, plague, death and doom etc etc whereas the powers
are used in connection with many lesser crimes. The House of Lords
Surveillance Report says that it is not right that legislation is sold on
the fact that data sharing is for one thing but in practice use these powers
for another purpose. That is why, in a nutshell, Information Sharing Orders
- the powers were so broad that people automatically think they can be used
for anything.
There are a pile of cases where this has happened in other legislation. See
www.amberhawk.com (Article on Nine Priciples ... in a surveillance society)
if interested in the background
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ibrahim Hasan
Sent: 11 March 2009 10:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] RIPA and Councils
Colleagues
I have just across this FAQ page on the Home Office website on RIPA
and local authorities:
http://security.homeoffice.gov.uk/ripa/communications-data/RIPA-and-local-au
thorities/
The most interesting part is this:
"Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker explained to the House of Lords
Constitutional Committee on 19 November 2008 that the government was
clear that the use of RIPA techniques for trivial matters such as dog
fouling or putting refuse bins out a day early was not proportionate."
I am sure that most environmental health departments will disagree
that such matters are trivial. Dog fouling (actually the owner not
picking it up)is a criminal offence.
Regards
Ibrahim Hasan
Director
Act Now Training Limited
www.actnow.org.uk
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