(Dieser Artikel ist auch in deutscher Sprache verfügbar)

UK government has launched a consultation on codes of practice covering the implementation of its communications surveillance laws that, lately, have been largely debated on by privacy campaigners, internet service providers as well as security specialists.

The UK Government has launched a public consultation on Part I and III of The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) Chapter II giving increased power to public authorities in their access to citizens' communications data.

The Home Office has published draft codes of practice for both parts of the act for a 12-week consultation period, stating that the present text has been modified to take into consideration the current practices, to reduce bureaucracy and to deal with concerns expressed in relation to data protection. It also stated that additional elements have been added where the original draft was lacking in sufficient guidance.

Part 3 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), allowing the police to ask for the disclosure of encryption keys or force suspects to decrypt encrypted data has not yet been implemented but the government considers time has come for it. The arguments relate to the rapid development of encryption products and the increased availability to such products including integrated security features in operating systems.

Comments on the two draft codes are expected by 30 August.

Government launches new data retention consultation (20.06.2006)
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2006/06/20/216510/Government+la...

EDRI-gram: UK Government asks for the encryption keys (24.05.2006)
http://www.edri.org/edrigram/number4.10/ukencryption

Acquisition and Disclosure of Communication Data - A public consultation
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/351628/ripa-part1.pdf?view=Bina...