Internet service providers (ISPs) could be forced to hand over key information relating to communications between lawyers and clients under a proposed European directive, lawyers warned this week.

CCBE secretary-general Jonathan Goldsmith told delegates in Frankfurt that the proposals could threaten client confidentiality.


He said: 'This is yet another intrusion into confidentiality protection. The government will be able to access information about when a client has [contacted] a lawyer, and how many times.'


CCBE president Hans-Jürgen Hellwig added: 'The fear is that ISPs will also be required to [record] the discussions and have [them] available in case they are needed in the fight against terrorism. It is Orwell pure.'


The CCBE's IT committee is drafting a response to the proposed directive.