========================================================================= Home Office 'unofficial' release Friday, March 30, 2001 1:56 PM FAO News Editors: The Government made it clear on Wednesday (during the Commons Second Reading of the Private Security Industry Bill) that IT security consultants would not need to be licensed under the proposed legislation. The Bill proposes that those working in the private security industry would need a licence to operate. The IT industry had expressed concerns that IT security consultants would need to apply for licences. Home Office Minister, Charles Clarke, stated on Wednesday that the legislation would not cover IT security consultants. At present there is no regulation of the information security industry, but the Government is committed to regulating only where necessary. The DTI will be consulting the industry on the extent and effectiveness of existing precautions and whether or not further action is required. The definition of security consultants in the Bill is deliberately broad. The licensing requirement for particular groups will be 'switched on' by regulations, and the groups affected will be fully consulted when drafting the regulations. At that time the Government will again make it clear that (subject to DTI's work on existing precautions) IT security consultants will not be included in the licensing regime. _____________________________________ Linda Martin Police Desk, Home Office Press Office Room 143, 50 Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H 9AT Tel: 020 7273 2274