UK authorities introduced controversial surveillance law yesterday that would allow police to monitor pretty much any form of communication, stopping just short of whisper-ma-phone. Phone calls, texts, emails, and online activity would all be fair game for police trying to track All this without a warrant.
Reuters reports: “The new law would not allow [Government Communication Headquarters] to access the content of emails, calls or messages without a warrant, but it would allow it to trace who an individual or group was in contact with, how frequently they communicated and for how long.” If passed, Internet service providers might be forced to grant real-time access to authorities wanting to monitor the goings on of anybody within the country. So many red flags have been raised over privacy concerns they can be viewed from space. What’s the digital equivalent of dumping tea into Boston Harbor… how about Ethernet cables into the Thames?
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
