numbers of requests for comms data

[Peter Fairbrother]

Finally got a (not-very-helpful) reply from Bob Ainsworth via my MP about
the numbers of requests for comms data:

"A wide range of public authorities request communications data. The Home
office does not hold a record of the number of these requests.

Currently, communications data may be supplied voluntarily to investigating
bodies for specified reasons (e.g. investigation of crime) under the Data
Protection Act and the Telecommunications Act. It may additionally be
supplied in obedience to to a Production Order authorised by a Crown Court
judge. The intention of the RIPA provisions is to provide greater
safeguards, clarity and regulation to activities that already go on.

Communications data (much of which in practice is no more than being able to
find out who a telephone number found in the course of an investigation
belongs to) plays a significant role in investigation in a wide range of
circumstances."


So, no numbers and nothing new, though he does say that reverse DQ's form
much of the information requested.



However as none of the legislation authorising the present practice is even
being considered for repeal, it is unclear how the RIPA provisions will
"provide greater safeguards, clarity and regulation to [the presumably
lawful] activities that already go on".

-- Peter Fairbrother