RIPA up and start again
Well not exactly ripping it up but the UK government has today revealed final amendments to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), which aim to prevent consumer broadband ISPs from intercepting their customers personal internet communications (e.g. by tracking visited web page URL addresses).
The move is a direct response to European Commission demands for a proper implementation of its internet and email privacy rules in the UK. The UK Government came under criticism following revelations of third party companies gaining access to surfers records without their kn owledge. Controversially Phorm used Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology, with the help of broadband ISPs , to monitor websites visited in order to create targeted advertising campaigns.
The new changes attempt to eliminate greay areas and make it more difficult for ISPs to claim consent had been given. ISPs will now need to gain the clear consent of their customers before imposing any Phorm like service.
How well the new law will be policed will no doubt be tested in the not too distant future.
On April 21st, 2011 at 8:05 pm
I wonder does this apply to the practice of monitoring torrent downloads and then passing on that information to firms who’s sole purpose seems to be to bully money out of alleged offenders.
(re recent ACS Law scandle)