An interesting story from the BBC about plans in the UK for what could be the biggest database ever. Sounds like it will not get off the ground though, judging by the scale of the criticism. It might even be in violation of Article 8 of the European convention on Human Rights (even though there is a proviso for disorder, crime and public safety, this would seem to go too far):
Plans for a super-database containing the details of all phone calls and e-mails sent in the UK have been heavily criticised by experts.
The government is considering the changes as part of its ongoing fight against serious crime and terrorism.