‘No other Government has legislated to retain all our internet records.’

By Andrea Germanos, staff writer for Common Dreams. Published 11-4-2015

Critics warn that the draft Investigatory Powers Bill would represent an unprecedented expansion of the UK government’s surveillance powers. (Photo: Paul Downey/flickr/cc)

The UK unveiled on Wednesday a draft bill to expand the government’s spy powers that privacy watchdogs are decrying as a further step towards becoming a surveillance state.

“[T]his long-awaited Bill constitutes a breath-taking attack on the internet security of every man, woman and child in our country,” stated Shami Chakrabarti, Director of the UK-based rights group Liberty.

Home Secretary Theresa May unveiled the draft Investigatory Powers Bill and called it “unprecedented.” Continue reading →