Lord Strathclyde - RIP is the "snoopers' charter"

[Yaman Akdeniz]

Tory chief says e-mail bill is snoopers' charter 
Ananova, http://www.ananova.com/news/story/politics_internet-
uk_4872.html, 28 June, 2000

Conservative peers have warned of growing fears among businessmen 
over Government plans for a "snoopers' charter" giving police more 
powers to tap into e-mails.

Opposition peers' leader Lord Strathclyde described the controversial 
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill, which has already been 
passed by the Commons as "bungling and shambolic".

The principles behind the legislation had not been properly thought 
through before it was brought to Parliament, he said.

Now the Government had tabled amendments in the Lords which 
would have to be looked at by MPs, causing more delay.

Lord Strathclyde said ministers wanted police to have the extra 
powers in the battle against crime and terrorism, but that safeguards 
were essential if firms were not to be "frightened off" coming to the 
City.

"This is a snoopers' charter," he said. "We want to make sure it 
protects the legitimate interests and freedom of individuals and that the 
balance between the police, who have to do a legitimate job as well, 
is right."

Had it not been for the intervention of the House of Lords, the Bill 
would now be law.

"It is a bungled and shambolic Bill which will work against the interests 
of British industry, and in particular the new industries which New 
Labour tell us they are so keen on," Lord Strathclyde said.

It was because of the strength of opposition, not just from the Lords, 
but from industry, that the Government was now planning to make 
concessions, he said, adding that they did not go far enough and there 
were still enormous drafting complications.

Last updated: 15:25 Wednesday 28th June 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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