by M. J. Joachim

Created on: June 18, 2009

ISP Data Records Used to Fight Crime

On April 6, 2009, the United Kingdom enacted a new law stating that "Internet service providers are to keep records of emails and online phone calls under controversial new government regulations," according to Chris Tryhorn, author of The Guardian. He goes on to state that, "ISPs will be legally obliged to store details of emails and internet telephony for 12 months as a potential tool to aid criminal investigations." It appears big brother is watching us, and since the world has gotten so much smaller with the ability to communicate internationally, it seems everyone is at risk of having their information stored.

The Canadian Victim's Advocacy Group is all for keeping ISP Data records and even handing them over to police. They are fighting for complete disclosure in their efforts to combat sexual predators, according to a recent bill dated June 2, 2009. Two days later Rob Hyndman retorts their claims in his article stating, "Notice that they're including the internet as part of the problem, rather than just a tool that's being used.

Last February American politicians reaffirmed their interest in keeping ISP records for up to 2 years. Republicans and Democrats alike want to pass a federal law requiring internet providers and operators to allow them to obtain ISP records that will help police solve crime investigations. "Two bills have been introduced so far-S.436 in the Senate and H. R. 1076 in the House. Each of the companion bills is titled "Internet Stopping Adults Facilitating the Exploitation of Today's Youth Act," or Internet Safety Act."

The purpose of keeping ISP data records seems reasonable. Predators and criminals have discovered the internet, and in doing so have created problems for police on a global scale. Authorities need to solve crimes, and in order to do that, they need access to the same tools the perpetrators use, and they need to use those tools to their advantage when collecting clues to further their investigations.

While it is important to help the police gather information against the bad guys, is it really necessary for them to have access to everyone's daily activities on the internet? There is a lot of controversy about this because people believe they have a right to privacy. They want to be able to use the internet at will without worrying about the government finding out what they do, where they go, and who they communicate with.

Many Internet Service Providers themselves don't want to participate in crime scene investigations, even if they do take place through their service. They don't want to be the watchdogs that track and keep personal information, only to hand it over on demand because of accusations or suspicions that someone may be involved in illegal activity. It simply isn't their job. Their job is to provide a service so people can communicate on the internet, not work for the police to prevent crime.

Nonetheless, we are all called to be civil servants and do our part to make the world safe. Should that ever include giving up our rights and freedoms though? At what point do we take responsibility for ourselves, and stop handing our lives over to Government Officials intent on running them?

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