Security worries over FBI plan for global criminal database

Published on Tuesday 15 January 2008 09:25

AN international database that could hold iris, palm prints and other personal biological information is in the planning stages, the Home Office has confirmed.

The FBI plan for a "Server in the Sky" is being discussed to help fight terrorism around the world.

The network could hold information from millions of criminal suspects pooled by the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The plan is likely to raise concerns about data security in the wake of a series of embarrassing data loss blunders by the Government and its agencies.

The Home Office confirmed the existence of "Server in the Sky" but stressed discussions were at an early stage. A spokesman said: "We are aware of the proposed project. As you would expect, we consider a wide range of initiatives as we constantly look to enhance our investigative capabilities.

"Relevant safeguards are always considered as part of this process."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was in discussions with the FBI, but also emphasised the plans were at a preliminary stage.

An FBI spokesman reportedly said the database would include details of international terrorists.