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Rather than fear it as a menace to our security and liberty, new technology should be embraced to safeguard these two “equally proud traditions.” Making this case yesterday for CCTV, the DNA database and ID cards, Gordon Brown explained such controversial technologies can help the state protect the public. As long as each of the tech-led innovations come with more transparency, scrutiny and extra safeguards, with checks on business as well as state agencies, they should be used. Outside of his speech, dotted with 14 ‘technology’ mentions, the Prime Minister said he would ask the Information Commissioner to annually report on the level of surveillance in Britain. Speaking to the Institute for Public Policy Research, a left-leaning think-tank, Mr Brown said technology lets government “discharge” its duty to protect people from “unprecedented threats.” “It could be said that for too long we have used nineteenth century means to solve twenty first century problems,” he argued. “Instead we must have twenty first century methods to deal with twenty first century challenges.” While crime is low, historically, he said he understands that Britons are afraid of terrorism, people trafficking, knife and gun crime and they “feel less safe and secure as a result.” “I believe that the tools we have to deal with organised crime must be proportionate to the damage done,” the PM said. “But these new risks to our security - no respecters of traditional laws or borders, and more complex and global than ever before - cannot solely be managed by the old, tried methods and approaches.” ID cards could not stop a terrorist attack but will make it harder for potential terrorists to travel across borders with multiple identities, raise money, rent safe houses or buy sensitive material, he said. Moreover, the IPPR heard that not using the DNA database and failing to extend CCTV would have resulted in dangerous criminals escaping justice, 8,000 of whom would now be free without the database. The PM also claimed he has won the public’s backing in extending the maximum detention without charge limit to 42 days, despite ongoing protest from civil rights group Liberty, which was in attendance. “I believe that people do appreciate the complexity of the issue - and recognise that the way in which we balance the need to maintain our security with the need to safeguard our basic freedoms must be renewed in a changing world. “For just as it is difficult to argue that the terrorist threat has not changed, it is also difficult to claim that this change is not serious enough to justify change in our laws.” Mr Brown appeared less convinced about ID cards, and not for the first time , which, as currently proposed, are non-compulsory to carry. “It [biometric ID cards] can potentially disrupt the operations of terrorists and other criminals - something we must surely be making every effort to do.” Mr Brown also said he has an eye on the internet, which although “a revolutionary force for change and opportunity, is also used to hateful ends by terrorists and criminals.” Jun 19, 2008 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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