Objection to 'Consultation Paper: Transposition of Directive 2006/24/EC' by 'The Home Office' dated August 2008

This petition objects the proposals made forth in 'Consultation Paper: Transposition of Directive 2006/24/EC' by 'The Home Office' dated August 2008, referred to as 'The Paper'.

We strongly object to collection and retention of 'communications data' (as described in paper), in particular the scale which The Paper proposes. We also find it deeply concerning, and in violation of The United Nation's 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
The Paper is in direct violation of Article 12 of the Human Rights declaration stating "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence ...".

We acknowledge the valid examples of retained 'communications data' aiding in the conviction of criminals, but we feel this only highlights that current legislation is sufficient to convict criminals. The examples listed were achieved with current legislation.

If the Home Office commits to this proposal, it will inevitably incur cost in computer hardware, computer software, development and training. We feel these costs can be used more efficiently to introduce crime fighting and national security measures that are less intrusive, more targeted, and sophisticated.