UK Government plans travel database

Government plans travel database

The (UK) government is compiling a database to track and store the international travel records of millions of Britons.

Computerised records of all 250 million journeys made by individuals in and out of the UK each year will be kept for up to 10 years.

The government says the database is essential in the fight against crime, illegal immigration and terrorism.

But opposition MPs and privacy campaigners fear it is a significant step towards a surveillance society.

The intelligence centre will store names, addresses, telephone numbers, seat reservations, travel itineraries and credit card details of travellers.

Big Brother

Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said: "The government seems to be building databases to track more and more of our lives.

"The justification is always about security or personal protection. But the truth is that we have a government that just can't be trusted over these highly sensitive issues. We must not allow ourselves to become a Big Brother society."

A spokesman for campaign group NO2ID said: "When your travel plans, who you are travelling with, where you are going to and when are being recorded you have to ask yourself just how free is this country?"

The e-Borders scheme covers flights, ferries and rail journeys and the Home Office says similar schemes run in other countries including the US, Canada, Spain and Australia.

Minister of State for borders and immigration Phil Woolas said the government was determined to ensure the UK's border remained one of the toughest in the world.

"Our hi-tech electronic borders system will allow us to count all passengers in and out of the UK and [it] targets those who aren't willing to play by our rules," he said.

"Already e-Borders has screened over 75 million passengers against immigration, customs and police watch-lists, leading to over 2,700 arrests for crimes such as murder, rape and assault."

BobHelm wrote:

Already e-Borders has screened over 75 million passengers against immigration, customs and police watch-lists, leading to over 2,700 arrests for crimes such as murder, rape and assault

Yes, obviously a good use of resources - this is 0.0036% capture rate. What about the honest 99.9964% of the population that are having personal records kept for the next 10 years????? How many of these 2,700 arrests were due to historical data rather than just "at the moment" checking.
What is this information going to be used for in the future & who knows?? Plus we all know how efficient (NOT!!) UK Government departments are about keeping personal private information private...
Big brother just one more step nearer.

Bob, DONT worry Some Forgetful Idiot will leave the CD on a Train Or Bus on their way home

arjay wrote:Yes Bob, they will be able to pick up that you were warned for speeding on your moped in 1955. I wonder, does that mean they will pull you in at the airport for a grilling and full body search?

Be warned big brother is checking up.

It might help them pick up when paedo's are travelling overseas.

BobHelm wrote:Plus we all know how efficient (NOT!!) UK Government departments are about keeping personal private information private...
Big brother just one more step nearer.

Prenders88 wrote:I can think of another Ralph.
People who still keep their UK drivers licence valid, by using a family or friends address.