Snooping powers could harm cheap net access Tumbling internet access charges in the UK could be abruptly halted if the government forces ISPs to maintain expensive email interception facilities.
Interception involves an added cost when many ISPs are making very small profits or none at all.
The RIP Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 9 February and is currently going through committee. The Bill regulates investigatory powers in interception of communications, intrusive investigative techniques and access to encrypted data. UK internet providers may have to pay. Mitchell also expressed concern that the Bill would set up a more restrictive regime in the UK than in other countries, and will thus drive ecommerce business overseas. Skilled personnel will end up putting in place interception measures rather than building business on the internet, he said.