Security clamp on order at cyber cafe - eer not in China, in UK

[Yaman Akdeniz]

NCIS not so keen on cyber-cafes

Yaman

Security clamp on order at cyber cafe
Daily Express, 08 July, 2000
http://www.lineone.net/express/00/07/08/news/n1920-d.html
BY LUCY McDONALD

SECURITY measures should be tightened in an attempt to deter 
people from using cyber cafes for criminal activities, detectives said 
yesterday.  

Users can surf the Internet with complete anonymity, which makes the 
places a haven for criminals. Soho nailbomber David Copeland visited 
cyber cafes to downloaded bomb-making details from the world wide 
web.  

Closed-circuit television, proof of identity and a greater emphasis on
recording users are options being considered by the National Crime
Intelligence Service.

Mark Castell, head of the NCIS's hi-tech crime unit, said: "It is 
obvious the anonymity offered by cyber cafes for criminals. The cafes 
have to recognise criminal exploits."  

The anonymity gives criminals huge advantages in acts ranging from 
fraud to child abuse, said the director general of the NCIS John 
Abbott. He said: "Hi-tech crime is growing and becoming a part of 
everyday policing. Bobbies on the 'cyberbeat' will be doing exactly 
what bobbies on the beat do now. Technology is moving very quickly, 
and it's important the law enforcement agencies are up to the pace."  

New powers and a more co-ordinated approach will help police to 
crack down on hi-tech criminals, who already use the Internet for 
drug dealing, malicious hacking, money laundering, paedophilia, 
blackmail and credit card fraud. Officers also warned that Internet 
providers should scrutinise companies more and that an increase in 
cyber crime would be seen before measures - both from the police 
and industry - are introduced to prevent it.  

The controversial Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill, which some 
technology industry experts described as a "snoopers' charter" 
enabling NCIS and MI5 to read every e-mail sent in the UK, is 
simply updating current police powers, said Mr Abbott.  

"There is a misconception that law enforcement has the time or the
inclination to be looking at every Tom, Dick and Harry's activities," he
said. The United States has identified 1,600 suspect web sites in 28
countries.

lucy.mcdonald@express.co.uk
C Express Newspapers, 2000


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Mr. Yaman Akdeniz,
Director, Cyber-Rights & Cyber-Liberties (UK)
URL: http://www.cyber-rights.org
E-mail: lawya@cyber-rights.org
Tel: +44 (0)498 865116

Read the CR&CL (UK) Reports at:
http://www.cyber-rights.org/reports/ 
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