Internet: Data Protection

Mr. David Hamilton
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what assessment has been made of the adequacy of safeguards for internet users who have their online activities monitored by internet service providers;

(2) what consideration he has given to introducing legislation that would require an opt-in for internet users before internet service providers are allowed to collect information about which websites an individual visits.

Malcolm Wicks
I have been asked to reply.

The Office of the Information Commissioner made a statement on 3 March 2008 that it was in discussion with one company about the nature of its service and the way it uses information about ISP customers. My Department will consider the continued relevance of the current safeguards and legislation in the light of the outcome of those discussions.