Wikimedia UK notes that Nick Clegg MP, Deputy Prime Minister, has today spoken out against the draft Communications Data Bill. Mr Clegg has said that the plans need a “fundamental rethink” and that he would block the Bill and pursue plans that ensure “the balance between security and liberty”.
Wikimedia UK, as part of a coalition of groups interested in open access and open source, and backed by Jimmy Wales, called for a review of the Bill. You can read our submission to the public consultation on the Bill here.
It seems that parliament has listened. The committee investigating the Bill has stated that it showed “insufficient attention to the duty to respect the right to privacy” and went “much further than it need or should for the purpose of providing necessary and justifiable official access to communications data”.
But the Home office remains unconvinced of these arguments. We’ll be watching for further developments on the Bill with interest.