UK lawmakers approve ‘most sweeping’ surveillance powers

A controversial Investigatory Powers Bill passed through its stages in the United Kingdom Parliament in November 2016 (and awaited approval from the Queen). Prime Minister Theresa May had introduced the bill in March 2016 (when still Home Secretary) describing it as 'world-leading' legislation It was intended to reflect the change in online communications. provide a new framework to govern the use and oversight of investigatory powers by law enforcement and the security and intelligence agencies.

Campaigning group Liberty said following the passing of the Investigatory Powers Bill by Parliament, 'The passage of the Snoopers' Charter through Parliament is a sad day for British liberty. Under the guise of counter-terrorism, the state has achieved totalitarian-style surveillance powers – the most intrusive system of any democracy in human history. It has the ability to indiscriminately hack, intercept, record, and monitor the communications and internet use of the entire population.

'Liberty has fought tooth and nail against this terrifying legislation, but the paucity of political opposition has been devastating. The fight does not end here. Our message to Government: see you in Court'.

The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 came into force on the 29 November 2016.

ESO: Background information: The Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill, 2014 - Commons Library Standard Note http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-data-retention-and-investigatory-powers-bill-commons-library-standard-note/

ESO: Background information: 'Brexit' Could Put Data Sharing in Jeopardy http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-could-put-data-sharing-in-jeopardy/

UK: GOV.UK: Home Office: Collection: Investigatory Powers Bill https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/investigatory-powers-bill

Liberty: Tag: Investigatory Powers Bill https://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/tags/investigatory-powers-bill

Liberty: Press Release, 17.11.16: 'See you in Court' - Liberty responds to passing of the Snoopers' Charter https://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/news/press-releases-and-statements/see-you-court-liberty-responds-passing-snoopers-charter

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The Conversation: Tag: Snoopers' Charter http://theconversation.com/uk/topics/snoopers-charter-17833

Politico, 17.11.16: Why EU may battle May over the Snooper’s Charter http://www.politico.eu/article/why-eu-may-battle-may-over-the-snoopers-charter-theresa-brexit/

Blog: Verfassungsblog, 25.11.16: How the UK passed the most invasive surveillance law in democratic history http://verfassungsblog.de/how-the-uk-passed-the-most-invasive-surveillance-law-in-democratic-history/

The Guardian, 29.11.16: 'Snooper's charter' bill becomes law, extending UK state surveillance https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/29/snoopers-charter-bill-becomes-law-extending-uk-state-surveillance

GOV.UK: Home Office: News, 29.11.16: Investigatory Powers Bill receives Royal Assent https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investigatory-powers-bill-receives-royal-assent

BBC News, 28.11.16: 'Snoopers' charter' petition hits signatures target http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38130344

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