BBC News Online: 'Snoop' plans put on hold

[Kieran]

On Tue, 18 Jun 2002, Peter Mitchell wrote:

> David Hansen wrote:
> >
> > > Communication service providers have agreed to work with the security
> > > services to provide access to electronic communications.
> >
> > Very stupid of them. They need to escape from the cosy world they
> > once inhabited and realise that those who survive will be the ones
> > who put the interests of the customer first.
> >
>
> Stupid, and dishonest. How dare they take it on themselves to disclose
> clearly confidential information without consent or judicial warrant.
> Their duty is to their customers, just as a bank's or a doctor's is.
>
First, banks actually have a duty to report to the government any
suspicious transactions.  It's part of the war-on-drugs/money laundering
stuff.

The ISP industry is bleeding cash at the moment.  IIRC, RIP give the
Home Secretary discretion on payments for the costs of RIP.

I'd suggest that any ISP who got too far out of line might find
themselves footing a bill their competitors didn't.  (That was my
reading of the bill when drafted.)  In the current climate, that could
conceivably put your friendly ISP out of business.

If they care to comment, Clive, Richard or Roland will know far more
about this.  I just wanted to point this out, because I've never had
links to the ISP industry.

Regards

Kieran