ISPs today
welcomed a commitment from Home Secretary, Charles Clarke MP, to
work with the internet industry to implement the Data Retention
Directive into UK law, but expressed concern as to how industry
costs would be reimbursed.
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The Directive will force ISPs and telcos to retain phone and
internet records for up to two years for use in investigation of
criminal and terrorist offences.
MEPs approved the controversial proposals in mid December, but
backed down on a requirement that Member States must reimburse
telcos and ISPs for the costs involved in retaining, storing and
accessing the data. The approved Directive leaves this issue up to
the individual Member States.
Speaking at the Internet Services Providers’ Association’s (ISPA
UK) 10th Annual Parliamentary Advisory Forum on Tuesday, Mr Clarke
gave little away. He said that he wanted to “work with industry on
this legislation, and hear industry's major concerns."
Nicholas Lansman, Secretary General of ISPA UK, welcomed the
Home Office’s consultation with the internet industry.
