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In April 2009 the Home Office published a consultation, “Protecting the Public in a Changing Communications Environment”.

In April 2009 the Home Office published a consultation, “Protecting the Public in a Changing Communications Environment”, which set out the importance of communications data in helping to protect and safeguard the public; how the rapidly changing communications environment means the existing capability of the police, the security and intelligence agencies and other public authorities is declining and why change is necessary.

The consultation paper sought views on options for maintaining our vital communications data capabilities. This document is the Summary of Responses (new window) to that consultation.

Communications data is information about a communication but does not include the content of a communication.

221 responses to the consultation were received. The Government’s rejection of a central database for all communications data was welcomed. There was also recognition of the importance of communications data and agreement that the capability of communications data to protect the public should be maintained.

As the proposals in the consultation paper are developed in the light of the responses received, we will continue to work closely with communications service providers in order to minimise as far as possible any impact on them. Any new proposals will also include strong safeguards to minimise the potential for abuse and to ensure the security and integrity of the data.