RIP FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS?

[Kieran Barry]

On Wed, 15 Mar 2000, Ben Laurie wrote:

> Watkin Simon wrote:
> > It is also suggested that the Bill leaves vulnerable any keys seized under
> > its provisions.  We are acutely sensitive to the need to protect securely
> > any material obtained under the Bill.  But questions of what levels of
> > security should be deployed are not, largely, matters for primary
> > legislation.  We are establishing a new dedicated resource to assist law
> > enforcement over encryption - the Government Technical Assistance Centre
> > (GTAC) - which will handle keys.  Deploying the highest level of protection
> > for such keys is a specific objective of the ongoing technical project to
> > establish GTAC.
> 
> Right, so when do we get to review the specification for how this will
> be achieved?
> 
Better still: since the current bill creates a number of offences, why 
not create an offence of holding keys without due care and attention. 
What I am referring to is a regime in any LEA or Intelligence 
organisation similar to the ones reportedly in place for the handling of 
classified intelligence material.

Any security breach should result in dismissal and prosecution.

I am more than happy to see police, home office officials and politicians 
living with a modern day sword of Damocles due to this ridiculously 
oppressive bill. Hand waving won't cut it. 

Regards

Kieran