Data Storage/Retention Bill

Trojan

Fine Gael are calling it "Orwellian". Aside:1984 is possibly the most frightening book I've ever read.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties think that it "is treating everyone as a potential suspect". They also think that it is contravenes the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Irish Times thinks that ... well, they don't have a catchy phrase...

Officials within the Department of Justice are understood to be seeking a legal regime similar to that mandated by Britain's controversial Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act.

In Britain, aspects of RIP are being rewritten after strong opposition to the initial Act from the House of Lords, the business community, privacy advocacy groups and the British media. The British government had to withdraw additional legislation dealing with the same areas of data retention as the Irish Bill after this provoked widespread outrage and anger.

Excerpt from:
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2002/1128/901350883HM1TECH.html

I've just looked up my local FF councillors address ( http://www.fiannafail.ie/td_clinic_17.htm ) and am contemplating contacting him about this.

What do you all think?

Al.

Kappar

I contacted all the TDs in my area about this to tell them what I think.

Does anyone know where I could get the text of the bill?

Trojan

Is this being discussed elsewhere on boards? The alternative being that noone here has a soapbox to stand on - I'm surprise.

Al.