HM Revenue and Customs, the UK’s tax collection agency, is to be given the right to demand Internet traffic data relating to businesses it believes to be acting fraudulently from Internet service providers (ISPs).

Provisions under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act of 2000 – originally developed to protect national security – are to be extended to cover HMRC following recommendations by the Interception of Communications Commissioner Sir Paul Kennedy.

Kennedy said in a report that HMRC needs the ability to subpoena ISPs to help fight the growing threat of serious organised crime and tax fraud.

Further reading

Bush sanctions increased network monitoring

Throw away the keys The implementation of RIPA Part III provisions will allow police to demand businesses hand over encryption keys. Can they be trusted?

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