Letter: Policing the Net
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Police do not seek any new or cosy relationship with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to acquire extra access to material ("Police to intercept e-mails", 21 September). All police approaches to ISPs for access to material are governed by existing law and procedure, and police seek no change to that rigorous regime.
For example, applications to intercept e-mail require a warrant signed by the Home Secretary under the Interception of Communications Act, exactly as with applications to intercept telephone or postal communications. Further, access to data held on computers can only be enforced under a court order signed by a crown court judge under the "special procedures" provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. Access to other personal data such as records of e-mail transmissions, where available (that is, the times and computer addresses of senders/recipients, but not content) can be applied for by police direct to ISPs, who are permitted to disclose such information under Section 28 of the 1984 Data Protection Act in certain circumstances. It is for the ISPs to decide whether to release the information.
Neither police nor ISPs are reluctant to publicise the fact that we are discussing how to work together lawfully and effectively. A current series of seminars are intended to help educate both police and ISPs about each others' roles; the police need to understand how the Internet works, and the ISPs need to understand how the law works, what sort of material the police are likely to seek, and the legal procedures involved.
Det Ch Supt K L AKERMAN
Chairman, ACPO Computer Crime Group
T PEARSON
Research Machines
On behalf of Internet Service Providers Association
Winchester
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments