WHO warning on electronic cigarettes

Sunday, 21 September 2008 01:00

AN electronic cigarette that produces a fine, heated mist that is absorbed into the lungs is not a proven therapy for smokers trying to quit, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.

Users puff on the device as they would a real cigarette, but they do not light it. The device resembles a real cigarette but creates a vapour acting like smoke.

The electronic cigarette, developed by Chinese scientists in 2004, is widely available on the internet — a starter kit, containing about five refills, can be purchased for about €100.

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Fears over privacy as police expand surveillance project

Monday, 15 September 2008 01:00

The police are to expand a car surveillance operation that will allow them to record and store details of millions of daily journeys for up to five years, the Guardian has learned.

A national network of roadside cameras will be able to "read" 50m licence plates a day, enabling officers to reconstruct the journeys of motorists.

Police have been encouraged to "fully and strategically exploit" the database, which is already recording the whereabouts of 10 million drivers a day, during investigations ranging from counter-terrorism to low-level crime.

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MS sufferer: Don't jail my husband if he helps me die

Saturday, 13 September 2008 01:00

Debbie Purdy talks to Robert Verkaik about her court challenge to ensure her partner will not be prosecuted for a last loving act

A terminally ill woman who fears that her husband will be jailed for helping her die painlessly will go to the High Court next month in a landmark challenge to the law on assisted suicide.

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'Snoopers' charter' unveiled

Thursday, 04 September 2008 01:00

Government agencies will be able to access e-mail and phone data, under measures unveiled by ministers.

Local councils will be among the bodies able to use surveillance to investigate crimes, protect national security and protect public safety.

They will be able to use the powers to collect taxes.

Initial plans to revise legislation were dubbed the "snooper's charter" when announced by home secretary David Blunkett last summer.

In a separate development phone companies and internet service providers will be told by the government to keep records of phone calls and internet visits for a year.

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