Legal framework for mandatory communications data regime continues to evolve The UK Home Office has launched a consultation on plans to update the acquisition and disclosure of communications data code of practice and introduce a new retention of communications data code of practice. Both documents are provided in draft form. The former code sets out … Continue reading
Category Archives: Surveillance
EU Article 29 Working Party releases Opinion on Device Fingerprinting
That’s the way that the EU cookie rules crumble (again… even if it’s not a cookie), says watchdog The influential, pan-EU Article 29 Data Protection Working Party (DPWP) has released an Opinion (9/2014) on the applicability of the E-Privacy Directive (2002/58/EC) to device fingerprinting, in which it addresses what it believes to be “serious” data … Continue reading
Could the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill really change things for online service providers?
The Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill (CTSB) was introduced in the House of Commons on 26 November 2014 as a way to “address the capabilities gap the authorities face when it comes to communications data” says Theresa May. In particular, the aim is to “require internet providers to retain Internet Protocol – or IP – address … Continue reading
A CCTV code of practice fit for the future?
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office has published an updated data protection code of practice for CCTV and other types of surveillance cameras that view or record personal information. It provides best practice guidance for operators on how to comply with legal obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998. The code, which updates its 2008 predecessor … Continue reading
What the hell are these metadata? ….Are communications data, traffic data and metadata all the same thing?
And here is the first Peep Beep! post: The Snowden revelations have transformed the word “metadata” into a buzzword. The question that many are asking these days is who can collect and retain metadata. Can law enforcement agencies and intelligence services collect and retain metadata at their will? Can Internet access providers do what they … Continue reading