A controversial internet snooping centre to be opened by the Government could cause more problems than it solves, experts say.
The National Technical Assistance Centre will be able to decrypt computer data and intercepted internet and email traffic as part of a drive against cyber-crime.
It follows a much-criticised law, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, which came into force in October 2000 and gave law enforcers sweeping powers to spy on internet communications.
However, plans to foil cyber criminals could backfire, according to Stephen Dyer, a member of the Internet Service Providers'
Association.
He said: "It could prove counterproductive.
If the Government is being seen as taking encryption seriously, it will drive criminals to use encryption more."
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