FIPR Release 29/3/01: Govt. stalls on licensing of computer consultants

[Caspar Bowden]

>-----Original Message-----
>Sent: 29 March 2001 01:08
>Subject: FIPR Release 29/3/01: Govt. stalls on licensing of computer
>
>FIPR Press Release 29/3/01 LONDON: FOR IMMEDIATE USE
>=================================

The Home Office today confirmed this story in an 'unofficial' (not on
website) Press Release below. If you correlate the assurances offered and
de-spin, you'll see govt. will be able to 'switch on' licensing at will.

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Home Office 'unofficial' release Friday, March 30, 2001 1:56 PM
FAO News Editors:

The Government made it clear on Wednesday (during the Commons Second Reading
of the Private Security Industry Bill) that IT security consultants would
not need to be licensed under the proposed legislation.

The Bill proposes that those working in the private security industry would
need a licence to operate.  The IT industry had expressed concerns that IT
security consultants would need to apply for licences.

Home Office Minister, Charles Clarke, stated on Wednesday that the
legislation would not cover IT security consultants.

At present there is no regulation of the information security industry, but
the Government is committed to regulating only where necessary.  The DTI
will be consulting the industry on the extent and effectiveness of existing
precautions and whether or not further action is required.

The definition of security consultants in the Bill is deliberately broad.
The licensing requirement for particular groups will be 'switched on' by
regulations, and the groups affected will be fully consulted when drafting
the regulations.  At that time the Government will again make it clear that
(subject to DTI's work on existing precautions) IT security consultants will
not be included in the licensing regime.

_____________________________________

Linda Martin
Police Desk, Home Office Press Office
Room 143, 50 Queen Anne's Gate
London
SW1H 9AT

Tel: 020 7273 2274