Nick Clegg has insisted the "highest possible safeguards" will be built into any new surveillance powers introduced by the Government but said new technology meant the debate was needed.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 World at One programme, the Deputy Prime Minister refused to elaborate on what the safeguards might be, insisting it was appropriate for the plans to be published first.
But the Liberal Democrat leader said what was being discussed was a case of updating existing powers to take account of new technology - such as internet telephone service Skype - which he said criminals and terrorists could use to subvert surveillance laws already on the books.
News of the proposals has sparked fierce opposition from civil liberties campaigners, including Tory MP David Davis.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said any new surveillance powers will come with the 'highest possible safeguards' |
Mr Clegg told the programme: "I think it is very important people hold off making their judgement until they see the proposals.
"There has been a lot of speculation, some of it inaccurate, over the last couple of days. I happen to think it is right to have a debate about what we do as a society as criminals exploit new technologies.
"People should be reassured were are not going to ram something through Parliament. All along we will be guided by some very simple principles."
Mr Clegg said this will mean ensuring there is no new Government database and consulting widely - not just on new powers but on whether existing powers are already sufficient.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the police would not be given new powers to look at people's emails but said powers may need to be updated to "keep pace with the use of new technology".
He added: "Anything in this area is highly sensitive and it is good we are having this kind of wider debate."
©Press Association
©Press Association
