Nov, 2016 : Massive UK Surveillance Law Goes into Effect

📅 November 30, 2016 - On Tuesday, the Investigatory Powers Act became law after receiving royal assent in the United Kingdom. The new law replaces the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act of 2014, and has been referred to as the Snoopers Charter by many critics.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said of the law, “The government is clear that, at a time of heightened security threat, it is essential our law enforcement and security and intelligence services have the power they need to keep people safe. The internet presents new opportunities for terrorists and we must ensure we have the capabilities to confront this challenge. But it is also right that these powers are subject to strict safeguards and rigorous oversight.”

Critics quoted by the Guardian said that the law is “a death sentence for investigative journalism” and described it as the most invasive surveillance laws ever.

Read more here.