Britain's information watchdog will today propose new safeguards aimed at ensuring public confidence in initiatives and technologies which could accelerate the growth of a so-called surveillance society.

Information Commissioner Richard Thomas will give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee and demand stronger powers to allow his office (the ICO) to carry out privacy impact assessments and audits.

It is also understood he will express concern at the use of special listening devices which can be placed in lamp posts, street furniture and offices - already widely used in the Netherlands to combat crime and antisocial behaviour.

Mr Thomas will make his case amid fears Britain is in danger of "committing slow social suicide" with Big Brother techniques such as surveillance cameras and recording equipment spreading into every aspect of life.

The ICO says privacy impact assessments will ensure organisations set out how they minimise the threat to privacy and address risks of new surveillance arrangements before they are introduced.

The assessments, widely used in Australia and the US, will ensure ways of working do not lead to unacceptable intrusion into private lives. Mr Thomas said: "People now understand that data protection is an essential barrier to excessive surveillance, but it is wrong that my office cannot find out what is happening in practice without the consent of each organisation.

"The risks that arise from excessive surveillance affect both individuals and society as a whole. As well as risks such as identity mistakes and security breaches there can be unnecessary intrusion into people's lives and loss of personal autonomy.

"It is essential that before new surveillance technologies are introduced full consideration is given to the impact on individuals and that safeguards are in place to minimise intrusion."

Mr Thomas added: "Last year I warned about the dangers of waking up to a surveillance society. While I do not believe that we are living in the type of society associated with totalitarian regimes, it is important that there is a vigorous debate around the issue of surveillance, about where lines should be drawn and the restrictions and safeguards which are needed."

Mr Thomas's comments come as MPs launch an inquiry into the impact of surveillance. The Home Affairs Select Committee will investigate the use of video cameras to monitor high streets and residential areas.