News Summary: UK told to rethink surveillance plan

: British lawmakers demanded the government water down plans to keep track of phone calls, email and Internet activity — a bill critics dub a "snooper's charter."

TELL-TALE TRAIL: The Communications Data Bill would force telecoms service providers to retain for a year records of all phone and email traffic and website visits, though not the content of calls and messages.

TOO BIG, BROTHER? The government says the proposals are "sensible and limited" measures to prevent crime and terrorism. But an all-party parliamentary committee scrutinizing the legislation said the draft bill was "overkill."

SEARCH