Hi-tech world gives police nightmares

Date: 25/06/1998

By Simon Coss

FOR the EU's police forces, the information revolution is turning out to be something of a law enforcer's nightmare.

They warn that the technology which enables anyone with access to a personal computer, modem and telephone line to get in touch with any other similarly equipped infonaut has proved a bonanza for organised crime gangs, extremist groups and terrorists.

Law enforcement agencies across the Union say they have increasing evidence of criminals using information technology for illegal activities. Particular problems are being caused by the use of powerful encryption software to scramble Internet messages and computer files which could contain incriminating material.

Police forces are calling for the right to 'tap' such communications and are putting pressure on Union governments to agree rules which would oblige anyone who owns encryption software to provide law enforcement agencies with an electronic key.

They have received a sympathetic response from the UK presidency, with British Home Secretary Jack Straw calling on fellow justice and home affairs ministers to introduce precisely the sort of laws the police want.

But although ministers agreed to study the issue again at their May meeting, they did not commit themselves to concrete action.

Not everyone agrees the police should have an automatic right to bug the Internet. The emerging electronic commerce industry is concerned that large numbers of people will not begin shopping online unless they are sure sensitive information sent on the Net cannot be intercepted en route.

Civil liberties campaigners argue that the measures Straw favours represent an unacceptable attack on personal privacy.

The European Commission has also come out against the law enforcement hardliners. The institution's Directorate-General for the internal market (DGXV) argues criminals would simply use illegal encryption software if new legislation were introduced.