Telecoms firms obligated to help spies hack phones and computers in new snooping law
Fears have been raised over the government’s draft Investigatory Powers Bill after it was revealed to obligate telecommunications providers to assist efforts to hack their customer’s phones and computers.
The so-called snooping law would make it a legal requirement for firms to work with government spy agencies to tamper with electronic equipment in order to obtain data on terrorism and organised crime suspects.
This would oblige firms to assist in accessing such content remotely or to download information directly from seized equipment.
Defending the measures home secretary Theresa May said: “I am clear we need to update our legislation to ensure it is modern, fit for purpose and can respond to emerging threats as technology advances.
"There should be no area of cyberspace which is a haven for those who seek to harm us to plot, poison minds and peddle hatred under the radar.”
Such powers already exist although they are currently voluntary, leaving communications firms the option not to participate if they so wish, if the new bill is approved however then such cooperation will become mandatory.