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For The UK's 'Snoopers' Charter', Politicians Voted Themselves An Exemption (independent.co.uk)
The "Snoopers' Charter" passed in the U.K. greatly expands the government's surveillance power. But before they'd enact the new Investigatory Powers Act, Britain's elected officials first voted to make themselves exempt from it. Sort of. An anonymous reader writes:
While their internet browsing history will still be swept up, just like everyone else's, no one will ever be able to access it without specific approval from the Prime Minister. And according to The Independent, "That rule applies not only to members of the Westminster parliament but also politicians in the devolved assembly and members of the European Parliament."
The article adds that the exemption was the very first amendment they approved for the legislation. And for a very long time, the only amendment.
The article adds that the exemption was the very first amendment they approved for the legislation. And for a very long time, the only amendment.
Spying on MPs is bad, unless of course you want politicians to be blackmailed by spy agencies and entrenched political powers.
"If you aren't doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to worry about." -Us, parroting their own logic right back in their face.
Wikileaks will leak their browsing history once it will be captured as mandated by law.
I'm looking forward to perusing it.
US, Canada, India, UK... I guess this golden era of democracy is over. Here comes another round of dictatorships, population control and whatnot. Quite the dark heritage we're leaving for future generations.
This is quite clever of the established ruling elite. Their data is exempt and will not be collected or retained. But people new to politics running against them are not covered by this until they win.
So anyone feeling challenged by a new player will now have an additional valuable tool in keeping their job.