Internet firms 'should retain users' data'

He said keeping web browsing data was not for spying on the public but to see "for example, whether a suspect has downloaded a terrorist manual".

The minister for internet safety and security, Baroness Shields, had said she recognised the "essential role" that strong encryption played in protecting people's details.

But she added the government still wanted tech companies to be able to unscramble "targeted" data and hand it over when required.