UK 'Snoopers' Charter' in Line With European Legislation

The UK Investigatory Powers Bill, also known as "snooper's charter," which stipulates that Internet providers store information about users and provide this data to law enforcement as required, is compatible with EU legislation, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) said Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The obligation to retain data should be laid down by accessible, foreseeable measures that should be protected against arbitrary interference, while such obligations should also respect the right to private life and be proportionate as well as be used only to fight against serious crimes, CJEU specified.

"A general obligation to retain data may be compatible with EU law. The action by Member States against the possibility of imposing such an obligation is, however, subject to satisfying strict requirements," the court said in a statement.

The bill, which had been designed to give UK police and intelligence services increased powers, was approved by the UK House of Commons on June 7.

The legislation requires Internet providers 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.

Within the framework of the legislation, police are also expected to have the authority to hack into phones, laptops, tablets and computers.