Brits Back Away From 'Big Brother' Data Storage Plan

"The British government said Monday it wants communications companies to keep records of every phone call, email and Web site visit made in the country, but it has decided not to set up a national database of the information -- a proposal that had been condemned as a "Big Brother"-style invasion of privacy by civil liberties groups.

"The government said in October it was considering a central database of phone and Internet traffic as part of a high-tech strategy to fight terrorism and crime.

"However, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said Monday the plan had been dropped.

"A document outlining the department's proposals said the government "recognizes the privacy implications" of a database and "does not propose to pursue this approach."

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