Police To Get New Internet Data Powers Police are to get extra powers to force internet firms to hand over details that could help identify terrorists and paedophiles. The Anti-Terrorism and Security Bill will force internet service providers (ISPs) to keep information linking Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to individual users. Home Secretary Theresa May said the move would boost national security. "Loss of the capabilities on which we have always relied is the great danger we face," Mrs May said. The Bill provides the opportunity to resolve the very real problems that exist around IP resolution and is a step in the right direction towards bridging the overall communications data capability gap. But I believe we need to make further changes to the law. It is a matter of national security and we must keep on making the case for the Communications Data Bill until we get the changes we need. A previous attempt to give the security services more powers to monitor internet use was opposed by the Lib Dems as a "snoopers' charter." The coalition split saw the Communications Data Bill - which would have forced companies to keep details of everyone's online activity for a year - dropped by in April 2013. Emma Carr, director of campaign group Big Brother Watch, said: "It is perfectly reasonable that powers to provide the police with the ability to match an IP address to the person using that service is investigated. Video: June 2014: UK Needs To Monitor However, if such a power is required, then it should be subject to the widespread consultation and comprehensive scrutiny that has been sorely lacking to date with industry, civil society and the wider public when it comes to introducing new surveillance powers. Before setting her sights on reviving the snooper's charter, the Home Secretary should address the fact that one of the biggest challenges facing the police is making use of the huge volume of data that is already available, including data from social media and internet companies. The snooper's charter would not have addressed this, while diverting billions from investing in skills and training for the police.