Mass surveillance

UK spy agencies’ use of mass surveillance backed by external reviewer

The UK government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has supported the inclusion of bulk collection powers contained within the controversial Investigatory Powers bill.

The opposition Labour party had called for a review of bulk powers, arguing the government had yet to make an operational case for their inclusion in the draft bill — although the party ultimately voted with the government to support the bill’s passage through the House of Commons.

Privacy and human rights groups have also criticized bulk powers, arguing the powers are disproportionate and unnecessary.

In a 204-page report, published today, the external reviewer — QC David Anderson — writes that there is a “proven operational case for three of the bulk powers [bulk interception, bulk acquisition and bulk personal dataset], and that there is a distinct (though not yet proven) operational case for bulk equipment interference” [aka hacking].