Labour

Government must ensure the police can keep up with criminals and terrorists using new technology, but also protect people's privacy

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on the draft Communications Data Bill, said:
 
“The Government need to make sure that the police can keep up with criminals and terrorists using new technology, but also protect people's privacy and maintain public confidence. The devil is in the detail so
thorough scrutiny in Parliament is now vital. These are always difficult issues but we believe the Government still needs to do more to reassure the public and to get the balance right.
 
“Clearly the police and security services need to be able to keep up with the technology being used by criminals and terrorists.
 
“But there also needs to be strong protection for public privacy including limits and safeguards on the use, storage and access to data – not just by the police but by the communication companies and other organisations too.
 
“People are understandably worried that private information could be accessed without justification. For example, there is real public concern over the ability to view an individual’s complete web history and where the Government should examine what stronger safeguards are needed.
 
“Any proposal to increase access to data must be justified by the evidence and matched by enhanced safeguards and protection or it should not go forward.
 
“David Cameron and Nick Clegg have completely changed their tune compared to their rhetoric in opposition. The truth is that this is never easy. Security and liberty are both vital in a democracy, and we need a serious
and responsible debate about the detail to get the balance right and ensure public confidence is maintained."