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UK Government To Outsource Data Snooping and Storage

Posted by timothy on from the avoid-conflict-of-interest dept.

bone_idol writes "The Guardian is reporting that the private sector will be asked to manage and run a communications database that will keep track of everyone's calls, emails, texts and internet use under a key option contained in a consultation paper to be published next month by Jacqui Smith, the home secretary. Also covered on the BBC."

6 of 114 comments (clear)

  1. We're screwed by Linker3000 · · Score: 5, Funny

    And as Jacqui drafts the invitation to tender document in Word - up pops clippy...

    "I see you are outsourcing Government IT requirements. What level of cock-up and overspend do you want?

    Shall I insert the address for:

    a) EDS
    b) Capita
    c) SAP
    d) IBM
    "

    --
    AT&ROFLMAO
  2. missed the issue by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Don't be concerned at who is holding the data rather be concerned that the data is actually being collected.... (it's probably safer if the government isn't managing this anyway)

  3. Standard practice by Burnhard · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm afraid this is standard practice. Outsourcing allows those in charge to blame the company or corporation for any theft or data loss, not government ministers.

  4. Jackboots Jacqui strikes again by damburger · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What the hell is wrong with that woman? More to the point, what the hell is wrong with us? In any sane society a person like that would've been strung up from a lamppost a long time ago.

    --
    If we can put a man on the moon, why can't we shoot people for Apollo-related non-sequiturs?
    1. Re:Jackboots Jacqui strikes again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      UK citizens, get on this: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Anti-Big-Brother/

    2. Re:Jackboots Jacqui strikes again by xaxa · · Score: 5, Informative

      I've signed several of those petitions. They do nothing -- someone writes a response, and the issue is then ignored.

      If you have the time, write to your MP. Go here: http://www.writetothem.com/
      I haven't written to my MP yet, but I have written to the Mayor of London a couple of times. I received real, written responses and felt it was a much better use of my time than signing 10 spur-of-the-moment petitions. I'm currently waiting for a response from Boris Johnstone after responding to his transport policy document.