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The increase in scrutiny and reduction in powers for security agencies has to a considerable extent been triggered by the revelations of the former National Security agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden. These disclosures, along with other leaks from organizations such as WikiLeaks, have shed light on a series of illegal practices adopted by intelligence agencies in many countries, in particular the USA, Germany and the UK.

This has led to an unprecedented shift in the nature of intelligence legislation in many parts of the world, with security services witnessing a reduction in their powers for the first time in the post-9/11 era, defined by the West’s commitment to the war on terror.

However, despite claims that the agencies are working in the interest of national security, critics counter that overbearing surveillance practices erode and restrict many civil liberties. In spite of the introduction of restrictions in the USA and Germany, Great Britain appears to be heading in the opposite direction when it comes to surveillance policy, with the UK’s Conservative government putting forward plans to grant spy agencies yet more powers to deal with threats to national security.

The British government has outlined its highly controversial plan to introduce the Investigatory Powers Bill, which would grant agencies not only more power but also allow them to force Internet companies to log and track users’ web history for up to a year to allow for the police and security services access. It is thought the plan would also compel companies to collect and hold data on mobile phone applications like WhatsApp and Snapchat.

Snowden: the legacy of the Leaks. Internet: <www.mintpressnews> (adapted).

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