The governments Interception Modernisation Programme (IMP), which is part of the wider Communications Data Bill and will see all YOUR email accesses and website visits (not content) stored for a period of one year, has been criticised by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The LSE warned that the governments plan contained "serious flaws" and couldn't "work in [ITS] present form".

The LSE, which examined a consultation document released by the government in April, warns that the proposals can only work if entirely new laws are passed by Parliament and if the public can be persuaded that the threats from terrorism and crime are so extensive as to justify more personal intrusion and cost. Recent estimates put the cost at a staggering £2bn over a 10-year period (original news).


The LSE also echo’s concerns at how the touted £2bn price tag was reached; to date the government has provided no indication for this. There are also fears that the added burden on ISPs, many of which are busy straining to keep up with next generation broadband demands and new infrastructure, could damage the market.