Police have powers to hack into your computer

[rhythmaning]

From yesterday's Independent: New powers for police to hack your PC:

"Police have been given the power to hack into personal computers without a court warrant. The Home Office is facing anger and the threat of a legal challenge after granting permission. Ministers are also drawing up plans to allow police across the EU to collect information from computers in Britain."

[Edit] It was also in the Times on Monday.

All very disturbing!

Comments

[nicnac.livejournal.com]

That's interesting because our accountant advised us to keep all our VAT records on our computer. He said that if they're paper based, the VATman is entitled to enter your premises and root through them, but he can't if they're on the PC. I guess that has changed now, then.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Sorry - I meant to reply before! I think that if you were subject to a VAT inspection, they would be able to get at your PC anyway. HMRC already have huge powers. Don't get on the wrong side of them!!!

(On the other hand, I know someone who, dissatisfied with the work a cowboy builder did, tipped him off to the Customs and Excise who lokoed after VAT back then: not something to wish even on your enemies!)

I Think It's a Good Idea

[(Anonymous)]

I think it's a good idea since we currently are under constant threat of terrorism. Once the world becomes safer, we can revert these policies, but for the time being, it's required, esp. since we could be on the verge of WW3: terrorist nations versus the free world. Stoping terrorists ahead of time can very well help prevent a nuclear WW3.

Regards.

Re: I Think It's a Good Idea

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, the new proposals are so broad that they will cover issues other than terrorism. They give local authorities and the NHS the rights to go through the data.

The police already have sufficient powers to hack into terrorists' materials.