Although any news of Donald Trump is head turning at the moment, Trump has been overshadowing our news. This has given the UK Government the opportunity to slide the much debated investigatory powers act, otherwise known as the Snooper's Charter, into law. But what is the Snoopers Charter and why is it so important?
What is the Snoopers charter?
The name The Snoopers Charter is a name given to the Investigatory Powers act by the mainstream media. The act enabled the UK government to have access to all internet searches, phone calls, text and messaging platforms, emails, and bank transactions.
The act has been extended to include social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. The act also gives the police Mi5 and Mi6 permission to hack public and private computers with a warrant. The act has been passed in the name of national security and the believe that the act will ensure British citizens are kept safe from any future planned terrorist attacks and those at risk of radicalisation. But why has it been much disputed and is the charter an invasion of privacy?
Why has the Snoopers Charter been created?
With the start up of Wiki Leaks and the post-Edward Snowdon era, governments are now more paranoid about what the public have access to and what they know. For example, Trumps style of politics becomes increasingly paranoid and the British government are taking advantage of this sliding through bills whilst eyes are elsewhere.
The government, however, believes that by monitoring British citizens and those travelling here it can protect people living in this country.The Snoopers Charter has been previously proposed by Theresa May in 2013 during her time as home secretary, however, it was rejected by the liberal party under the coalition as they believed it was an invasion of privacy.
What does the Snoopers Charter mean?
Many social media and technology business have teamed up to oppose the Snoopers Charter claiming that storing encrypted information could have a wider impact on customers and citizens. The fact that the information kept will be stored for 12 months and can be brought up at any time under investigation.
Many critics believe that by looking at stored documents and data is it possible under investigation to build a picture of who a person is, and is therefore and invasion of privacy. Despite this little to all knowledge some information one might believe to be private can, in fact, be found online and is legally classed as public information. The bill itself is very controversial and could have wider impacts on some parts of the population for example students.
Should we be worried about the Snoopers Charter?
Overall the Snoopers Charter is an invasion of privacy and some might see it as a 1984 pictured society. However, with the right provisions, the charter itself will not cause any nuisance or unjust investigations.
