Police and intelligence agencies could be given Europe-wide powers to intercept secret messages sent on the Internet by criminals under proposals being considered by the British Home Secretary, Jack Straw.

The aim is to give police the tools to combat high-tech crime but civil liberties groups are worried about the possible effects on Internet user's privacy.

The BBC's Joe Paley explains the thinking behind Jack Straw's proposals (Dur: 34")

What do you think should come first in the Government's list of priorities, the strict preservation of the public's freedom of speech or the adoption of new and more effective methods for combating crime?

Should governments control Internet encryption?

Does the freedom of speech of the individual outweigh the need for the state to protect its interests?
Colin McKinnon, UK

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