§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances the Government will require internet service providers to contribute to(a) capital and (b) recruitment costs of security surveillance; and what the charging principles will be. [127328]
§ Mr. StrawI have published a detailed report into the technical and financial considerations involved in interception on the internet, on Home Office website, www.homeoffice.gov.uk/oicd/ripbill.htm. Comments have been received from the Internet Service Providers Association and my officials have started a dialogue with 387W wider industry representatives under the auspices of the Alliance for Electronic Business. There is agreement to set up a body, with industry participation, to advise on the technical, functional and procedural implementation of Clause 12 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. Depending on detailed discussions in that group and outside, and bearing in mind the need for equity across the entire communications industry, the Government will take a view on what contribution from internet service providers will be appropriate for capital costs. That process will also inform decisions on recruitment costs.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the estimates of(a) the capital costs and (b) the running costs of internet service providers, establishing a surveillance capability as required under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. [127331]
§ Mr. StrawOur estimate of the total costs to communication service providers, not currently classified as public telecommunications operators, of establishing an intercept capability under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill is that it will not exceed £20 million in aggregate over the first three years. I have published a report on the Home Office website detailing some cost and technical implications of interception on the internet. My officials have been in contact with The Alliance for Electronic Business and the Internet Service Providers Association over the establishment of an advisory board to consider further the technical, functional and procedural implementation of Clause 12 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill.