RIP Electronic Freedom

Following closely on the Terrorism Act comes the RIP Act (Regulation of Investigatory Powers). Also given royal assent, it will become law in October.

Firstly, UK based Internet Service Providers (ISP’s)* will be legally obliged to give police, customs and security services open access to monitor all web traffic running through their networks.

Secondly, the Act will see the targeting of computer encryption users** with prison sentences of 2 years (if you refuse to hand over your encryption keys to the police), and 5 years (if you tell anyone you are being monitored).

And finally, the Act includes extra powers to plant Big Brother bugs and parabolic microphones wherever the sun might not shine - in the name of ‘national security’ and combating ‘organised crime’. For example, the new generation of mobile phones will be implanted with a location device so that they know from where you’re calling.

Many Internet Service Providers are now looking at uprooting their business and moving overseas.