GCHQ denies Internet spy plans
The UK's electronic intelligence agency has taken the unusual step of issuing a statement to deny it will track all UK internet and online phone use.
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said it was developing tracking technology but "only acts when it is necessary" and "does not spy at will". The denial follows the home secretary scrapping plans for a single government database for all communications.
Jacqui Smith said instead firms should record all people's internet contacts. In the statement, GCHQ said one of its "greatest challenges is maintaining our capability in the face of the growth in internet-based communications.
