Govt urged to clean up ‘wild west’ of internet
Peers have warned the government must take action to prevent the internet descending into a lawless “wild west”.
The House of Lords science and technology committee said the government is doing too little to improve security on the internet and risks undermining public confidence in the service.
At present, ministers say individual users should take responsibility for maintaining their security online.
The committee warned: “This is no longer realistic and compounds the perception that the internet is a lawless ‘wild west’.”
Instead the peers argued the government, internet service providers and other businesses with a vested interest should take more responsibility for improving security.
Committee chairman Lord Broers warned the “internet could be destroyed” if resources are not put in to improving e-security.
He said: “You can’t just rely on individuals to take responsibility for their own security. They will always be out-foxed by the bad guys.
“We feel many of the organisations profiting from internet services now need to take their share of the responsibility. That includes the IT industry and the software vendors, the banks and internet traders, and the internet service providers.”
The committee believes crime and security breaches on the internet are increasing, but the government is ignoring this increasing victimisation of internet users.
The Home Office said it would respond to the committee’s concerns shortly but said efforts were already being made to improve security.
A spokesman said: “While shopping and banking online is convenient for consumers and retailers alike, it also presents opportunities for fraudsters.
“The key to tackling online crime is prevention, which is why across government we are working closely with industry and law enforcement agencies to improve safety while also seeking to raise awareness to improve people’s ability to protect themselves.
“We are in discussions with the police about effectively policing the internet and looking at what measures can be taken.”
