Bichard Inquiry Report PDF Download

The 2nd report (HLP 18-I, session 2008-09, ISBN 9780104014257) from the Select Committee on the Constitution examines the relationship between surveillance, citizens and the state. The Committee sought to answer the following questions: (i) have increased surveillance and data collection by the state fundamentally altered the way it relates to its citizens; (ii) what forms of surveillance and data collection might be considered constitutionally proper or improper? Is there a line that should not be crossed? How could it be identified? (iii) what effect do public and private sector surveillance and data collection have on a citizen's liberty and privacy? (iv) how have surveillance and data collection altered the nature of citizenship in the 21st century, especially in terms of citizens' relationship with the state? (v) is the Data Protection Act 1998 sufficient to protect citizens? Is there a need for additional constitutional protection for citizens in relation to surveillance and the collection of data? The Committee has set out a number of recommendations, covering the following areas: information commissioners; the national DNA database; CCTV; legislation and the legislative process; the Government and Parliament; public and private sector organisations. A companion volume 2 containing evidence is also available (ISBN 9780104014264).