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David Cameron's palms greased up to the hilt by Murdoch and other press barons are now, definitely slimy. (D.C is the British Prime Minister, leading a coalition government of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats).
If I were a victim of the gross press intrusion, like that which has been reported through the major Leveson Enquiry, (which was ordered by the Prime Minister) I know what I would be thinking of the leader of our so-called democracy. This man, who stated he would be the champion of the victims of horrendous press slander and intrusion, attempted to dilute to virtually nothing, the safeguards proposed against future diabolical media behaviour.
To add insult to injury, Cameron did not want statute to deal with media transgressions, nor any statutory underpinning of the loose Medieval instrument he proposed in place of law, a Royal Charter. Left open and unguarded, a Charter could easily be quietly tampered with by ministers and any effective elements could be neutralised. Who needs a champion like him.... certainly not vulnerable and traduced people!
It speaks volumes for the coalition of the Labour party and the Liberal Democrats, that the preferred inter-party agreement which evolved in the early hours of Monday 18th March 2013, does contain some statutory back-up to counter ministerial interference. Though not perfect, it was,finally hammered out in the office of the Labour Party Leader, Ed Miliband, together with Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, (also leader of the Liberal Democrats) and their various advisers. Oliver Letwin, who we hear little of, and who is Minister of State For Policy, attended on behalf of the Conservative Party. The pressure group, 'Hacked Off,' representing the victims, have noted their approval of this agreement
The media barons still will not like it. They will not easily give up any of the power they have taken, (and been allowed to run with) without any authority to do so.
Cameron can now hold out both palms and say to his media handlers, "Hey boys, I tried to scupper the new regulation, you saw I did". No doubt, he'll be fervently hoping he has done enough to bank sufficient credit with the media barons, for them to 'crown him' as their man - in their news and propaganda media - at the next General Election.
Politics is a very dirty business. 
Bless my sibling's internet paranoia and bless mine, I say! The most recent intrusion into our lives came when we had a spate of unexpected visitors and phone calls.
"Does Michael need help?" ......"What kind of help?"
All these concerned people had received emails purporting to come from a relative, who had been mugged at gunpoint in Spain, robbed of everything valuable including cash. 'Please send dollars to.....'
Michael was on holiday in the UK. We allayed people's multiple concerns and contacted Michael to alert him to his alleged parlous state. He had received the news just before I called. He assured me his home computer was closed down and disconnected from the mains socket.
As a consequence of the internet alarm, Michael used part of a day of his short vacation to do something he has never done, and that is, use an internet café to access his internet information and check on any online accounts. Fortunately, there was only one personal account, one that sent out invoices rather taking payments. Just to be safe he cancelled his debit and credit card.
As soon as he returned home, Michael set about tracing the source of the rogue email. There were two web mail providers in use for groups Michael helped to run, both with very big mailing lists. One of his accounts he could see, but he could not enter it. His password had been tampered with. He was still data cleansing his computer, running security checks and revising his emailing arrangements, a day later.
It takes one person in the group of contacts who may not be so careful or knowledgeable with internet security to allow infiltration and start a chain of upsetting and intrusive events.
Michael is careful how his operates his computer system. Many people are not. He has no interest in smart phones. That is just as well, in view of the latest reports there are on the rich pickings to be had by hacking into smart phones and accessing not just the phones, but the personal databases and banking details stored on them.
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