Online surveillance plans to go ahead

Government plans to monitor the internet use of all UK citizens are being given the go ahead, despite opposition from some in the industry.

Under the plans, communication firms will be asked to monitor and keep all the information on how people use the web.

Communication Service Providers (CSPs) may also be asked to keep records of how people interact with others on personal social networks, chatrooms and even online games.

At the moment the police can intercept communications in the interests of combating crime or national security but the current powers are more centred around telephone communication. The government now wants to extend this to online contact due to its popularity.

Ministers have said that it's not a case of creating a single government-owned database but instead a way of keeping track of contact, as opposed to monitoring the actual contents of what is being said.

The plans were opposed by 40 per cent of those asked during a Home Office consultation. They were also criticised by the Information Commissioner when the idea was first brought up in May 2008.

However, it is unlikely that the plans will be acted upon until after the next general election.