Safe Speed Forums

Maybe it's wishful thinking but I think this is a step in the right direct. Credit however, where credit's due.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,, ... 21,00.html


New Rules Needed To Protect Privacy
Updated: 06:36, Tuesday May 01, 2007

Safeguards are needed to protect people's personal details in the UK's "surveillance society", the privacy watchdog has said.

'Safeguards to minimise intrusion'Information Commissioner Richard Thomas called for all Government departments to carry out privacy impact assessments on proposed schemes.

The reviews would set out possible threats to privacy and how that threat could be minimised.

Mr Thomas' comments were included in his submission to a Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry, which meets in London today.

They follow his recent warnings that Britain is now a "surveillance society".

In his submission, the commissioner called for penalties for data protection breaches to be stepped up.

He recommends all public sector bodies follow a new code of practice on how they pool information.

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And Mr Thomas wanted his powers to be increased to inspect and audit organisations suspected of breaching privacy laws without their consent.

He said schemes that have a "surveillance society" dimension should take privacy concerns into account.

These include identity cards, the creation of the National Identity Register, greater Government powers to access private sector data and plans for vehicle tracking.

Mr Thomas said: "It is essential that before new surveillance technologies are introduced full consideration is given to the impact on individuals and that safeguards are in place to minimise intrusion."

The Information Commissioner's Office was set up to uphold data protection laws and to promote public access to official information

Noteworthy that it's being referred to as UK's "surveillance society".
Let's hope that the course does change, and that adequate safeguards to existing surveillance are implemented/adhered to.