Sealand, a World War 2 fortress off the Suffolk coast, is
setting itself up as the world’s first “data haven” for companies
wishing to store electronic files outside the jurisdiction of UK
e-commerce law, such as the Data Protection Act 1998.
A company registered in Anguilla, HavenCo, has formed a
partnership with the UK owners of Sealand. Taking advantage of
Sealand’s claims of independence, the US directors of HavenCo plan
to offer freedom for users in an environment not monitored by
police.
However, the Home Office and the Foreign Office have said that
they do not recognise the sovereignty of Sealand. A spokesman said
that HavenCo would have to comply with the UK laws.
This means it may have to provide interception capabilities for
the intelligence services under the proposed Regulation of
Investigatory Powers law. Sealand is reportedly willing to test its
claims to sovereignty in the courts.
Investors from around the world are reported as having offered
millions of dollars for shares in HavenCo. Bill Scannell, a
spokesman for HavenCo said they are not accepting any offers of
investment until they have an investor policy. “We want to make
sure all money is clean before we accept it,” he added.
Michael Bates, the son of the original occupier after the war,
said “We don’t want this operation to be used for illegal means...
We don’t want to harm Britain – I’m British – but we won’t run away
from a fight.”
