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The government has been mulling proposal to collate records from phone companies and ISPs on every member of the general public for 12 months, with the "big brother" scheme designed to help authorities combat the threat of terrorism.

However, while the information commissioner conceded that the targeted interception of terror suspects would be invaluable, he questioned the justification and implications of such a pervasive scheme.

"Every phone call, every e-mail, every internet search, every on-line transaction and so on. Even the possibility of such a controversial scheme needs the fullest debate well before a draft Bill is published," said Thomas.

He added that restrictions on excessive surveillance and data protection are pillars of the society we take for granted. He claimed that while terrorism may threaten those liberties, it is important that society does not compromise on them.