July 16, 2008 3:16 PM BST
Andrea,
Funnily enough, I was just catching up with this story a few minutes ago (after a few days at work, with little time to keep up to date with much more than the headlines).
At present, from what I read in a couple of on-line reports, one "good point" in the reports, is a quote from the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas.
He said that whilst he understood that "targeted interventions" were "invaluable" in the fight against terrorism and serious crime, he warned that, such a data-base in the hands of the Government was "a step too far for the British way of life. .............. Do we really want the Police, Security Services and other organs of the State to have access to more aspects of our private lives?!!"
"Even with the best of intentions, there were too many implications for such a wide-ranging database, that could be accessed by so many law enforcement agencies".
So, at least there's one "voice of reason" out there, in a position of some influence, that has immediately spoken out against this proposal!
We'll see how this develops.
It could be like most other Gordon Brown announcements .......... Announce one day, then three days later, realise that it's unworkable/illegal/or just plain stupid, and quietly brush it under the carpet, and forget about it !
Hugs,
Angela. xx.