DSS and LAs to trawl internet traffic

[Pete Mitchell]

Roland Perry wrote:
> 
> <sigh> When the SSFA was going through Parliament, almost everyone
> ignored it, and therefore none of the provisions were given the sort of
> scrutiny that RIPA enjoyed. eg Big Browser and other issues.
> 
> Of course you can complain about the Act *any* time you want, but just
> after it's been passed virtually un-opposed and just after a
> consultation on its Code of Practice, is not the best time.


[thanks for your measured reply and sorry about my much-too-rude earlier
comment, my excuse is I had just watched Tony Blair on TV. ]

It's very well to talk about "consultations" and "unopposed", but who
got to be consulted and who was asked whether they opposed it? This is
of course exactly what government relies on to get through such laws
("... a demolition order has been on display at Alpha Centauri for the
last 50 earth years" as Douglas Adams put it). As long as such practices
continue, people have the absolute right to oppose any law as long
afterwards as they choose.  

--
Pete Mitchell