Good news for most, the U.K. Government is looking to change the laws that dictate fines and other punishments for people who steal identities. Existing law only allows for fines, but the new law could mandate jail time for convictions, from six months to two years. While far different from U.S. law concerning the same matters, the crime affects a similar percentage in both countries and is something that rears its ugly head worldwide. The new proposal is worded to supposedly only affect those who actually take personal data and intend to misuse it, and not accidents:
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, who is responsible for the functioning of British courts, said the new punishments will cover "deliberate and willful misuse" of personal information and that front-line public sector staff who make an error of judgment while sharing data will not be penalized.
Interesting stuff.