What's going to happen?

Why is it I cannot download a documentary program on the Herschel space telescope I was unable to listen to at the time it was broadcast and listen to it on any device at a time of my choosing. Why would I care if a tiny fraction of my license fee allowed somebody in Timbuktu who will never pay a BBC license fee in their life listen to it for nothing? And why is it that an elderly blind person on a State Pension has to pay what is a significant amount of money for the privilege of not watching television while my family with two adult earners pays the same? Or that shopkeepers apparently now need licenses on the grounds that someone entering their premises may use a mobile device receiving radio or TV programs? I like the fact we have a strong public-service broadcaster with an overriding duty to be impartial. I think the way it is funded is one of the most irrational, inequitable taxation schemes ever devised. The license fee is an embarrassing farce and should be abolished.

But the Information Commissioner's Office is toothless. T-mobile data protection breach The Commissioner now wants criminal penalties. That's a good idea. But how long has it taken to come up with that recommendation? 11 years since the last Data Protection Act was passed. Recently the ICO Scotland decided that due to a breach of privacy by a community council in the Orkneys, all 1,200 community councils in Scotland should register and pay a £35 annual fee for the privilege. This serves the purpose of what exactly? Will it stop future accidental publication of personal information by these volunteer-run bodies with tiny budgets? Not likely. (Before anyone asks "Isn't £35 trivial?", it represents 8% of many community council's budgets!) But it does add £42,000 to the ICO's coffers. So that's another couple of admin staff, or more likely another "good chap, of the right sort". Frustrating. Absolutely we need strengthened Data Protection. But do...