Is Big Brother watching you?

What lengths are our employers going to in order to protect their information?

Whether you have just a phone connection at work or more gadgets than you can shake a stick at, the chances are thatwhat you say and what you do are being kept on record.

If you have access to the internet, phone, email, or fax machines then it really is about time that you paid some serious attention to what you are saying and who you are saying it to.

The UK Government is alleged to be part of a group that is lobbying the European Union to ensure that ISP's (Internet Service Providers) and telecoms companies maintain a log of all telephone calls, faxes, and internet and email usage for seven years.

However, as recently as May 22nd, 2001 the Home Office has denied that it has any plans to order ISP's to operate in this way, although Home Secretary Jack Straw has admitted that serious consideration has to be given to this.

Many claim that this type of action is wholly justified if criminal investigations of all levels are going to be initiated, despite the clear potential for violating our human rights.

Another major objection that is expected on the part of many UK organisations is that the cost of having to store up to seven years of data, will, for many companies prove to be potentially crippling on their business.