These are weasel words. They look bland and innocuous, but the implications are nasty. If I register with the British Embassy in Jakarta I do so for one purpose only - to be apprised of present situations or anticipated events that may threaten my health or safety. It is not fodder for the legions of bureaucratic buffoons back in Blighty.
Another consideration is the confidentiality of my data. Britain's track record over the last year does not exactly inspire confidence - vast numbers of people have had sensitive personal data 'lost in the post', nicked from cars, sneaked from unsecured work and personal computers.
Being a generous and tolerant soul at heart, I harken to the wisdom of the old saying - "Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by incompetence".
Volunteer my details to our people down at the Consulate? I should cocoa!
You may have noted, R, that I refrained from comment, DIDN'T I?
Mind you, I do now have the list of email addresses of all the wardens in Indonesia in case there are any spammers or viral terrorists lurking here who'd offer me some wonga.
It's also encouraging to note that the British Embassy is as concerned about security issues as the rest of us. Your quote is definitely appropriate.
So the buggers are trying to keep tabs on us out here now? Tell 'em to mind their own business, I got away from the snooping society of the UK for a reason (and no it wasn't entirely related to a disputed tax bill or that unfortunate incident with the undercover policeman in the public toilets, it was all just a misunderstanding to do with my trouser zip which was stuck and I believe any reasonable magistrate would accept that 
).
By the way I may be wrong but as I understand it all EU citizens are entitled to consular assistance from any EU member embassy overseas so if you're not happy with the UK I think you can ask around (that might need confirmation however).
Commenting by HaloScan
