Blunkett and privacy groups clash over surveillance technology

The increased use of surveillance technology will result in violence and civil disobedience, according to human rights watchdog Privacy International.

The warning, issued on the hundredth birthday of George Orwell, coincides with Home Secretary David Blunkett’s call on police to harness and exploit new technology to keep ahead of criminals and terrorists.

Simon Davies, director of Privacy International, said in a statement: "Led by the US and the UK, countries are encouraged and coerced into adopting a vast range of repressive measures designed to maximise all levels of surveillance."

But he warned that the erosion of privacy rights would lead to mass action from angry citizens.

"I don’t like the idea of such a confrontation between citizens, technology and authorities but I can well imagine it is inevitable. In the past year alone there has been a substantial growth in the number of online resources dedicated to the sabotage of surveillance technology," he said.

Blunkett will tell law enforcement officials at the Police Foundation this evening that they need to make the most effective use of technology before criminals do.

Ahead of the conference he has said: "Developments in biotechnology, nanotechnology and the widespread use of computers all pose law enforcement threats and opportunities. Law enforcement agencies must not just respond to these developments, however. To keep one step ahead of the criminal they need to embrace new technology and make the best use of existing technologies."

He identified the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit and developments such as fingerprint and DNA databases as examples of how the police have successfully exploited technology to fight crime.