NO2ID

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18023512

10 May 2012 Last updated at 17:45

Theresa May attacks 'myths' on real-time web snooping

Home Secretary Theresa May has denied planning to allow the police and intelligence agencies to monitor internet use in real-time.

Updating the Commons on the detail of the Queen's Speech, she complained that some "myths" had been circulating about her legislative proposals.

DUP MP Ian Paisley Jnr asked if the authorities would need to recruit more staff to make full use of the powers.

Mrs May said his question was based on a "misunderstanding" over their plans.

Mr Paisley had asked: "To make use of this additional data that undoubtedly the government would then have access to... there will need to be in place more analysts, so that in real-time they can access the information and make use of it.

"Is provision being made for that more practical end of having appropriately trained analysts to go through the material?"

But Mrs May replied: "This is not accessing in real-time. There are some limited occasions today where real-time data is used, for example in a case of a kidnapping, where it could be a matter of life and death whether an individual is discovered."

The government's Draft Communications Bill was "not about accessing in real-time" data on e-mails, phone calls and internet use, she said.

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It's not this, it's not that, it's not the other and not one word on what it actually is.

Yes, it isn't appropriate for you to say what it is, only to prevaricate about what it might not be. In any case, refusal to answer a yes or no question means the answer is yes but you don't want to say so. Every time.

Accessing in real time is normally "wire tapping". It's an expensive option.

The cheaper option is to get the ISP to give you the entire mailbox for $25 (Google).

This is not "real time" but after the effect - so no need to get a court order.

This is a very enlightening mistake by her ladyship....

They're going for the cheap but invasive option - of getting Corporate ISP's to give you the data - that sidesteps the rule of law and nonsense like court orders... and the protections against wiretapping.

Daft civil libertarians... they don't realise the realtime option is protected - so the Home Office is attacking via the back door. Plus it saves money on surveillance officers and we are in a recession don't you know.

Gosh, I sound cynical!!