The Intelligence and Security Committee of the
United Kingdom reports that UK intelligence-gathering agencies have not broken
any UK constitution and laws. However, the report suggested the legal framework
of digital surveillance in the United Kingdom is outdated, complicated and
lacks transparency.
The ISC began its investigation after United
States ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden revealed the extent of US and UK online
surveillance. The ISC reports said their findings were “reassuring” but they
find the legislation lacks the powers to handle digital surveillance, which
includes the regulation of the GCHQ bulk interception of information.
In the year 2000, the UK issued 2,795 warrants
to intercept communication data, which means the information collected would be
opened and read. By 2014, the numbers of authorisations have already reached a
million for police and law enforcement agencies.
ISC reports that several intelligence staff had
been dismissed for inappropriately accessing data, misusing access to GCHQ’s
systems. Meanwhile, the ISC also reports some staff was only dismissed.
Online surveillance have become a big issue due
to Edward Snowden’s revelation of spying activities in the western world.
Germany, France and other US allies have questioned the legal framework of the
US intelligence gathering processes, which had also affected their relationships
and alliance in 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment