Liberté, égalité, fraternité? Maybe strike the first one off that list. While some US lawmakers are trying to pare down the Patriot Act, the French constitutional court has just allowed police to monitor pretty much anyone they want without a warrant. The "Loi Renseignement," or Surveillance Act was first proposed in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris, and approved by legislators in May. It's now the law of the land, and Prime Minister Manuel Valls tweeted that "France now has a security framework against terrorism that respects liberties." However, many folks disagree with that sentiment, and France's own constitutional court strongly opposed the lack of oversight.
Dubbed "French Big Brother" by opponents, the law will enable police to monitor the population with impunity. Backed by the Prime Minister's office, intelligence agencies can record any calls, text messages and internet activity using "black boxes" with help from French carriers -- who don't have much say in the matter. They'll also be able to execute wireless phone taps, install hidden cameras and more under the new laws. What most offends critics like Amnesty International, however, is the "warrantless" part. Though authorities will need to consult an panel of judges, MPs and senators, its recommendations are not binding.
#LoiRenseignement: la France a désormais un cadre sécurisé contre le terrorisme et respectueux des libertés. C'est un progrès décisif! MV
- Manuel Valls (@manuelvalls) July 23, 2015
Over 100,000 people signed a petition against the act, which Amnesty International called "a major blow to human rights in France." It added that "the surveillance measures authorized by this law are wildly out of proportion." A French advocacy group called La Quadrature du Net told EUobserver that it's ready to challenge the law in the EU's Court of Human Rights. "Mass surveillance is part of an intolerable and oppressive machine, which is by nature the seed of totalitarianism."
Filed under: Wireless
Via: EUobserver
Source: Conseil Constitutionnel
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