Every Breath You Take
The government is proceeding with plans to compel communications service providers [CSPs] to retain electronic data beyond that required for commercial purposes, and make it available to the security services, police and other public authorities, despite substantial opposition. The plan will see CSPs retaining details of all emails, phone calls, texts and other electronic communications – but not their content.
The proposals are expected to cost £2bn to implement over 10 years, with no indication of any payments to CSPs to offset costs.
Officials also rejected inserting an independent judgment into the process – similar to the requirement for police to obtain a magistrates' signature on a search warrant - claiming it would "impair the effectiveness of the techniques in question" without protecting privacy.
The document spelling out the outcome of a consultation on the proposals complained they had been "widely misrepresented", insisting communications data "is a vital tool for public authorities who protect the public" and must not be limited to dealing with the terrorist threat but extend to crime, public health and public safety as well.
"public health and public safety as well" - I think that means your own private health and safety as well, wouldn't want you ordering too many extra large pizzas would we?
Every breath you take and every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take, I'll be watching you
Every single day and every word you say
Every game you play
Every night you stay, I'll be watching you
Oh can't you see you belong to me?