Ananova :

Britain has asked phone companies and internet service providers to keep hold of communications data.

Authorities say they could contain clues to the identity of the terrorists who attacked Washington and New York.

The call, concerning data stored on Tuesday, comes from the National High-Tech Crime Unit.

Detective Chief Superintendent Len Hynds, head of the London-based unit, said: "By working swiftly to contact the communications service providers in the UK I hope that we will be able to offer valuable assistance to US authorities in investigating the appalling events of recent days."

The unprecedented request was made under the Data Protection Act, which normally prohibits companies from keeping such data any longer than is needed for billing purposes.

A spokeswoman for the crime unit said the request was merely precautionary to ensure that data such as text messages, e-mails and voice messages, were not destroyed.

She said: "We are not looking for anything in particular. Communications are routinely destroyed after 48 hours.

"This safeguarding of communications data is to ensure that any potential data is saved should it be required for evidential purposes."

The move falls short of steps taken by the FBI which is serving search warrants to major ISPs in order to get information about an e-mail address believed to be connected to Tuesday's attacks.

Mr Hynds said the cooperation of the telecommunications and internet industry in Britain was voluntary.

Story filed: 22:39 Thursday 13th September 2001

Terrorism

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