The UK's Total Surveillance

Budenny writes "The Register has a story in its ongoing coverage of the UK ID Card story. This one suggests, with links to a weekend news story, that the Prime Minister in waiting has bought the idea that all electronic transactions in the UK should be linked to a central government/police database. Every cash withdrawal, every credit card purchase, ever loyalty card use ... And that data should flow back from the police database to (eg) a loyalty card use. So, for example, not only would the government know what books you were buying, but the bookstore would also know if you had an outstanding speeding ticket!"

Comments

What a benefit for consumers!

[ShaunC]

So, for example, not only would the government know what books you were buying, but the bookstore would also know if you had an outstanding speeding ticket!

Sweet! Now they'll be able to suggest a discount if I buy a copy of "Traffic Court for Dummies!"

Re:What a benefit for consumers!

[Bravoc]

Offenders who were arrested for Drunk Driving also purchased:

• "Divorce for Dummies"
• "The Playboy Bartender's Guide"
• "Home Autobody Repair"

Shall I add these to your cart?

Just imagine

[Freaky Spook]

If this database could be linked to myspace!!

I'll never have to write my own boring blogs ever again, this could do it for me!

11am bought donuts at krispy kreme

11:15 incurred speeding fine on South eastern freeway

11:30 purchased petrol

Re:Just imagine

[LiquidCoooled]

You never know it might happen - AOL could make a tender for managing this DB.

17556639 how to kill your wife
17556639 how to kill your wife
17556639 wife killer
17556639 how to kill a wife
17556639, B&Q Stores, 59.99, Hammer action Drill
17556639, B&Q Stores, 7.99, overalls
17556639, B&Q Stores, 3.99, tarp
17556639, B&Q Stores, 8.99, Large plastic bags
17556639 poop

Re:Welcome to the world of.. 1984

[Anonymous Coward]

Oh the irony...promoting George Orwell using a system that behaves exactly like the Ministry of Truth.

Tuesday morning sarcasm

[Valacosa]

So, for example, not only would the government know what books you were buying, but the bookstore would also know if you had an outstanding speeding ticket!"

and...

And we ALL have many things to hide.

What can I say? Information wants to be free.

Re:Tuesday morning sarcasm

[pete6677]

SCOTUS? Is that a sexually transmitted disease or something?

Re:Tuesday morning sarcasm

[nacturation]

SCOTUS? Is that a sexually transmitted disease or something?

If that sounds bad, then you really don't want its evil cousin: POTUS.

Re:*gasp*

[tehcyder]

If the patron is drunk, the barman should call the patron a cab no matter what the patron's legal record says.

DRUNK: Can you call me a cab.

BARMAN: You're a cab.
DRUNK: The old ones are the best. Hic!

DRUNK FALLS OFF BAR STOOL.

Re:*gasp*

[Kaa]

If anything, this would be one of the few possible benefits of such a system - the amount of tax you pay could be directly linked to your lifestyle, so people who smoke would pay more because they're probably going to make more use of the NHS than those who don't.

Dear Mr.Smith,

We have noticed from your grocery purchases that this month you did not buy proper amounts of vegetables from our approved Nutritional Excellence(tm) list. Instead you purchased some cakes which, you must realize, are bad for your health. Accordingly, we have no choice but to double your health insurance premiums.

Sincerely yours

Respect authority as you would your Elder Sibling

[TomRC]

Your ID card protects your identity - keep it close!

Smile! Our cameras are here to protect your privacy!

The new limits on automotive traffic will ensure you get to your destination quicker!

Friendly reminder from the Revenue Service - save all financial records - We Do!

Please don't litter - remember: everything you throw away has your DNA on it, so we'll know!