Madam, – The Government is currently drafting a new Bill called the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2009, which will force internet providers and mobile phone operators to maintain a record of all their customers’ phone calls, text messages, e-mails and internet usage.
Aside from the civil liberty and privacy questions that arise with such a Bill, there is the considerable expense that businesses will be forced to incur. As an individual working in the IT industry, I can assure you that the recording, maintaining and securing of this sensitive data is non-trivial and expensive.
Furthermore, these additional expenses will typically be passed onto the consumer; so not only will our privacy be further eroded, but we will be expected to pay for the privilege.
A daft exercise in security theatre that will leave business and the consumer further out of pocket. – Yours, etc,
HEATHER KEENAN,
East Wall,
Dublin 3.