03/04/2012
New Laws To Be Proposed For Email And Web Monitoring
The Home Office has said new laws could allow monitoring of all emails, text messages and web usage in the UK.
In a statement the Home Office said that the laws will be brought in "as soon as parliamentary time allows".
The plans face heavy criticism but speaking to The Sun Home Secretary Theresa May said "ordinary people" would have nothing to fear but "criminals, paedophiles and terrorists" would.
Police and security services will be able to demand details of who is having the conversation and what time it takes place, but will need a court order to listen to or read the content.
Essentially the proposed new law - which may be announced in the Queen's Speech in May - would reportedly allow GCHQ to access that data as it happens, without a warrant, rather than retrospectively.
Ms May said: "The idea is to update legislation to stop them (criminals) being able to cover their tracks and keep their communication secret."
If passed the new legislation will bring the same kind of surveillance to the UK which takes place in China and Iran.
(LB/GK)
In a statement the Home Office said that the laws will be brought in "as soon as parliamentary time allows".
The plans face heavy criticism but speaking to The Sun Home Secretary Theresa May said "ordinary people" would have nothing to fear but "criminals, paedophiles and terrorists" would.
Police and security services will be able to demand details of who is having the conversation and what time it takes place, but will need a court order to listen to or read the content.
Essentially the proposed new law - which may be announced in the Queen's Speech in May - would reportedly allow GCHQ to access that data as it happens, without a warrant, rather than retrospectively.
Ms May said: "The idea is to update legislation to stop them (criminals) being able to cover their tracks and keep their communication secret."
If passed the new legislation will bring the same kind of surveillance to the UK which takes place in China and Iran.
(LB/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 August 2005
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
15 May 2013
Fisheries Reform Agreement Reached
The European Union and the UK have agreed new laws over the dumping of unwanted fish, the BBC has reported. It is understood that following extensive talks an agreement package was reached with EU fisheries, which are to include a ban on dumping pelagic fish, such as mackerel and herring.
Fisheries Reform Agreement Reached
The European Union and the UK have agreed new laws over the dumping of unwanted fish, the BBC has reported. It is understood that following extensive talks an agreement package was reached with EU fisheries, which are to include a ban on dumping pelagic fish, such as mackerel and herring.
18 September 2006
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today. Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today. Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
25 November 2008
New Laws To Protect Victims Of Forced Marriages Introduced
New laws that would protect victims of forced marriage and prevent others from the same fate, have been brought into statute today. The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 will enable courts to prevent forced marriages and order those responsible for forcing another into marriage to change their behaviour or face jail.
New Laws To Protect Victims Of Forced Marriages Introduced
New laws that would protect victims of forced marriage and prevent others from the same fate, have been brought into statute today. The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 will enable courts to prevent forced marriages and order those responsible for forcing another into marriage to change their behaviour or face jail.
16 July 2004
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law. Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law. Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.