The British government is set to unveil a new law that will allow it to monitor all phone calls, emails, text messages and internet use in the country to help tackle crime and militant attacks, the British Interior Ministry said. "It is vital that police and security services are able to obtain communications data in certain circumstances to investigate serious crime and terrorism and to protect the public," a Home Office spokesman said. The proposed law already has drawn strong criticism, from within the ruling Conservative Party's own ranks, as an invasion of privacy and personal rights.
The new legislation is expected to be announced in the legislative agenda-setting speech given by the queen in May.
Currently, British agencies can monitor calls and e-mails of specific individuals who may be under investigation after obtaining ministerial approval, but expanding that to all citizens is certain to enrage civil liberties campaigners.
Under the new law, the internet firms will be required to give the intelligence agency, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), access to communications on demand.
It will allow officers to monitor who is calling who, and for how long, or what websites they are visiting. The legislation also covers social networking sites.
Source: BNA
GMT 22:49 2017 Wednesday ,20 September
BA battles third day of disruption, image blow after IT meltdownGMT 16:32 2017 Friday ,07 July
British intelligence had role in plot to kill LumumbaGMT 01:48 2017 Thursday ,13 April
UK photographer publishes guidebook on OmanGMT 03:53 2017 Thursday ,23 March
2 more global giants pull Google adsGMT 23:01 2017 Friday ,17 March
Saudi cleric banned from TwitterMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor