Super database 'a step too far'

The UK's Information Commissioner has called for a full public debate about a proposed "super-database" that would log every phone call, text and email in Britain.

The database, which would hold the details of everyone's telephone and internet communications and could be accessed by a wide range of security agencies, would be a "a step too far for the British way of life", said Richard Thomas.

"Do we really want the police, security services and other organs of the state to have access to more and more aspects of our private lives?" the Information Commissioner asked at the launch of his annual report.

The proposal to introduce the Orwellian surveillance systems is still in the discussion stage between the Home Office and the telecommunications and internet industries.

The radical shake-up of surveillance would give police new powers to monitor phone lines and internet communication, letting them store details on every individual's browsing and communication traffic.

Although police would not be able to view content, they would be able to build a profile of an individual and their network of contacts.

The proposed database would have to be enormous to handle the volume of the UK's communications. Last year about 57 billion text messages were sent in Britain while an estimated three billion emails are sent every day.

What do you think of the proposed "super database"? Is it a step too far or do we need such radical measures to fight terrorism? Let us know in the Web User forums.

www.ico.gov.uk