Privacy security

U.S., Britain consider letting spy agencies, police seek email, chat data from companies

U.S. and UK spy agencies and police may soon be allowed to directly ask media companies in each others’ countries for email and online chat data for people being investigated, under a tentative bilateral deal, officials said on Friday.

As governments worldwide and online companies struggle to strike a balance between privacy rights and law enforcement imperatives, three U.S. officials confirmed a pact is in the works, although it would require congressional approval.

“The proposed agreement, which remains under discussion, would be reciprocal and would require legislation to take effect,” said a U.S. Justice Department official.