Home Secretary Commits to Consult with Internet Service Providers

Thursday 12th January, 2006

The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke MP, gave a clear commitment to continue a close dialogue with the Internet industry over the transposition of the Data Retention Directive into UK law at The Internet Services Providers’ Association’s (ISPA UK) 10th Annual Parliamentary Advisory Forum on Tuesday 10th January.

Mr Clarke said, "I want to say clearly and publicly that I want to work with industry on this legislation, and hear industry's major concerns."

The Home Secretary continued, "Working with Industry is central to how the Home Office operates."

ISPA - the UK’s leading Internet trade association – brought together leading representatives from Government, law enforcement and the Internet industry to discuss the likely impact of the data retention directive at the Houses of Parliament.

Police Praise ISPs

Jim Gamble, Deputy Director General of the National Crime Squad, praised the Internet industry for its role in assisting law enforcement saying, "ISPs deserve public recognition from the police services for the cooperation and support that they have given, particularly post 7th July."

Mr Gamble thanked ISPs for their support and effective cooperation, helping law enforcement fight terrorist threats through the retention of communications data. Mr Gamble said, "Building partnerships is important.  This has been done well in the UK; it is transposing them into Europe that is harder."

The UK implemented a voluntary Code of Practice for the retention of communications data in 2003 under the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act. Under this regime, ISPs retained certain subscriber data for up to 12 months.

Nicholas Lansman, Secretary General of ISPA UK said, "ISPA welcomes the Home Office’s consultation with the Internet industry. ISPA and its members are committed to assisting law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism and are encouraged to receive recognition from law enforcement for Service Providers’ assistance in the fight against terrorism."

Mr Lansman continued, "But concerns remain over the impact of the data retention directive. How will Communications Service Providers recover the costs involved with the retention of data, and how will new and emerging technologies be affected by the directive? These issues must be addressed by the Government through further consultation with industry."

 

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ISPA Press Office
Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA UK)
+44 (0)20 7340 4535

About the Internet Services Providers’ Association:
The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA UK) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: www.ispa.org.uk