Keep nose out of Facebook demands MP Jo Swinson
MP Jo Swinson is demanding the government drops plans to snoop on users of social networking websites.
She says moves to force the owners of popular sites such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace to retain information on all users and their internet habits are 'overkill'.
The government argues that intelligence will be lost in the fight against terrorism if social networking accounts are not monitored along with e-mails, phone calls and other website usage.
However, the East Dunbartonshire MP says that existing law already allows police to monitor the accounts of individuals suspected of criminal activity.
Campaigners fear that a government database of sensitive information about law-abiding citizens may not be kept secure, in light of recent scandals involving misplaced data.
Ms Swinson said: "There are times when it makes sense to monitor people who are suspected of breaking the law, but the police can already get a warrant to do that. All kinds of personal information can be found on the likes of Facebook, including people's political views, sexual orientation and who they're dating.
"The government has no need or right to know those things about innocent people. Not only would it be expensive to gather and store that information, but people – quite understandably – don't trust the government to keep it confidential.
"I hope Ministers will come to their senses and abandon plans to snoop around on innocent people's Facebook accounts."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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