PLANS for a giant database to gather and record mobile phone and internet traffic have been announced. What do you think?

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has promised only dates and times of messages and calls would be stored, not the content of conversations and emails.

She says the storage of millions of pieces of information is necessary to help police and security forces keep up with technology as terrorists and organised crime gangs become more sophisticated in the way they evade detection.

The Data Communications Bill will go out for consultation in the new year.

What do you think about this? Would the recording of mobile and web traffic be too close to George Orwell’s vision of Big Brother? Would it give the state too much power? Can the Government be trusted with massive amounts of personal information?

Do you support the plans? Would giving police and security services better access to this information help in the fight against serious crime?

Have your say - add your comments below.