Today in the Chamber, MPs spent most of an urgent questions session debating the visibility of the camera in Matt Hancock’s Sajid Javid’s office, and the broader implications for privacy and security. Apparently a few ministers are now a bit worried…
Guido’s had a look at the evidence. He’d hardly describe that camera as “hidden”…
MPs voting on the Snooper’s Charter next week might be swayed to oppose Theresa May’s anti-privacy laws by the revelation that GCHQ are already accessing their emails. New documents released by Edward Snowden show GCHQ not only intercepts MPs’ communications – it also scans them in bulk using security software installed to supposedly filter spam emails. GCHQ has been able to skirt around strict rules governing the interception of internal UK communications due to parliament’s decision to switch to Microsoft Office for its email service. This means private emails sent by MPs are routed through servers in Ireland and the Netherlands, with each one being scanned and recorded by GCHQ. MPs should remember they’re governed by the laws they create…
H/T Computer Weekly
Civil Liberty group Privacy International have today filed a legal claim against GCHQ, demanding that the government spooks stop collecting data from those who are not suspected of committing a crime. The existence of “Bulk Personal Datasets” that contain “personal information about a wide range of people” was revealed in Intelligence and Security committee report released in March.
The complaint was filed to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the only judicial body with the power to investigate GCHQ. For the first time this year, the IPT ordered the Cheltenham spooks to destroy illegally obtained documents. Let’s hope they’ve started a precedent…
Philip Zimmermann, the creator of the world’s most popular email encryption software, has relocated his company Silent Circle from the US to Switzerland in an effort to avoid America’s spy agencies. Silent Circle, who are best known for their encrypted Blackphone, have been fighting an ongoing battle to keep their encryption services safe from the NSA. They even pre-emptively shuttered their secure email service Silent Mail to avoid being ordered to hand over customer data.
Silent Circle’s move comes amid rumours that there could be an exodus of UK tech companies if Digital Dave pushes ahead with plans to clamp down on encryption. Will we ever see a British Snapchat?
The LibDems were forced to make a swift apology yesterday after an email sent to supporters promised to “end online privacy.” Thanks for clearing that up…
The Greens’ manifesto is out and despite its quirks, Techno is pleased to report that the tree-hugging hippies are pretty sound on one issue – digital rights. Highlights include:
- Opposition to all all secret unaccountable mass surveillance replace RIPA
- Replace the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
- Strengthen data protection laws
- Oppose the sale of personal data from health or tax records
- Support Open Standards in IT
Unsurprisingly there are some more outlandish digital policies including a pledge to “prevent patents applying to software.” Good luck with that…
