HMRC, the UK’s tax collection agency, is to be given the right to demand Internet traffic data from Internet service providers (ISPs), relating to businesses it believes to be acting fraudulently.

Provisions under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act of 2000 – originally developed to protect national security – are to be extended to cover HMRC following recommendations by the Interception of Communications Commissioner Sir Paul Kennedy.

Kennedy said in a report that HMRC needs the ability to subpoena ISPs to help fight the growing threat of tax fraud and serious organised crime.