Advocacy Group Warns UK Against Overlooking Mass Surveillance Bill

Amnesty International UK’s Legal Director Rachel Logan said that opposition of UK advocacy groups, media, at least three parliamentary committees, the United Nations and tech companies is an indication that the bill is dangerous.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A human rights group urged the UK parliament on Tuesday not to rush the bill on "wide-ranging snooping powers" for police through the legislature.

Lawmakers in the United Kingdom began on Tuesday the second reading of the controversial draft bill to extend law enforcement powers to browse internet users’ web history and hack into phones when deemed necessary.

"These wide-ranging snooping powers are being rushed through parliament at break-neck speed. People spend longer choosing a holiday than politicians are being allowed to scrutinise this Bill," Amnesty International UK’s Legal Director Rachel Logan said.

Logan stressed that opposition of UK advocacy groups, media, at least three parliamentary committees, the United Nations and tech companies is an indication that the bill is dangerous.

The new 717-page draft bill contains provisions about the interception of communications, equipment interference and the acquisition and retention of communications data, bulk personal datasets and other information.

Under the revised bill, internet providers will be required to store their customers' browsing history for up to 12 months and grant access to law enforcement regardless of whether a user is under investigation or not. Police will also have the authority to hack into phones, laptops, tablets and computers.