"Last year I warned about the dangers of waking up to a
surveillance society," said Thomas. "While I do not believe that we
are living in the type of society associated with totalitarian
regimes it is important that there is a vigorous debate around the
issue of surveillance – about where lines should be drawn and the
restrictions and safeguards which are needed."
Parliament's Home Affairs Select Committee will conduct a
hearing this morning into whether or not the UK is becoming a
surveillance society and will hear evidence from Thomas and his two
deputies David Smith and Jonathan Bamford.
Thomas will call for his office to be given the power to force
organisations to submit to inspections and audits from his office,
the ICO. The ICO can inspect an organisation to check its
compliance with the Data Protection Act, but only with the
permission of that organisation.
"People now understand that data protection is an essential
barrier to excessive surveillance," said Thomas. "But it is wrong
that my office cannot find out what is happening in practice
without the consent of each organisation."
He also wants to be able to insist on privacy impact assessments
of any new surveillance. In these, an organisation will have to
explain how it will minimise threats to privacy and address all the
risks of surveillance activity before carrying it out. Thomas also
wants to be consulted as a matter of course before new
developments, his office said.
"The risks that arise from excessive surveillance affect both
individuals and society as a whole," said Thomas. "As well as risks
such as identity mistakes and security breaches there can be
unnecessary intrusion into people’s lives and loss of personal
autonomy."
"There is also a concern that too much surveillance will create
a climate of fear and suspicion. It is essential that before new
surveillance technologies are introduced full consideration is
given to the impact on individuals and that safeguards are in place
to minimise intrusion," he said.
