Letter to my MP on DRIP

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Dear Mr Hammond,

I am writing to express my concern about the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill (DRIP).

I feel that forcing companies to store data on their customers is an unacceptable breach of the right to privacy, and not justified by the need to combat terrorism or other crime. I think a better balance could be struck by requiring agencies to get a court order to engage in such invasive surveillance.

I am also concerned about the elements of DRIP that amend the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), including the expansion of the definition of a communications service provider.

What emergency are we facing that requires parliament to move so quickly on this issue? The only emergency I can see is that UK government agencies are currently acting illegally.

These agencies should stop acting illegally, and laws should be drafted in the normal way to authorise proportionate surveillance.

I am particularly concerned that DRIP contains many similarities to legislation that has already been rejected by parliament.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Balaam

[Inspired by Leo McArdle, thanks.]

[Feel free to re-use in whole or in part.]