New Surveillance and Encryption Rules After the European Parliament Elections
The European Union (EU) is planning to implement draconian new mass surveillance rules soon after Sunday’s European Parliament elections, an EP insider warns after the plans emerged online.
Secret Documents Reveal EU Plans
The documents, from the EU Commission, reveal meetings of working groups called “high-level groups on access to data for effective law enforcement”. These include recommendations such as reintroducing indiscriminate storage of communications data, creating backdoors in encryption, and requiring hardware manufacturers to give access to everything from phones to cars to law enforcement through so-called planning”.
Project Access: Devices Always Monitored
MEP Patrick Breyer announced that the plan contains 42 points produced by the EU Commission and the governments of the member countries. The aim is to be able to constantly monitor phones, IoT devices (such as those for the smart home) and cars .
Return of Data Retention Despite Judicial Rulings
Despite an earlier ruling by the EU Court of Justice, controversial data retention is expected to return, which could be extended to over-the-top services such as messaging, making all internet activity traceable.
Attack on Secure Encryption
Authorities also aim to ban secure encryption of metadata and subscriber data and to force messaging services that implement encryption to allow interception.
Using Backdoors in Cryptography for Tracking
Furthermore, the EU intends to address the use of encryption devices claimed to be used “only” by criminals, even though in reality the right to install backdoors could be abused to spy on anyone, including dissidents and critics.
Mandatory Cooperation between Technology Suppliers and Law Enforcement
Technology providers, if ordered by law enforcement authorities, will have to break encryption to facilitate access to data on users’ devices. Additionally, there will be “mechanisms for robust cooperation with communications and technology providers,” meaning they will have to share data with governments and law enforcement.
Forced Activation of GPS Tracking and Legal Consequences for Suppliers
If required, service providers will need to enable GPS tracking; Supplier representatives who refuse could end up in prison.
“This extreme surveillance plan must not become a reality, especially since it was crafted by a secret group of surveillance fanatics without any real transparency or democratic legitimacy,” Breyer said.
Conclusion: Defending Communications Security
The proposal to expand mass surveillance in the EU raises serious concerns about privacy and individual freedom. To counter these attempts, it is crucial that citizens and organizations actively defend communications security. This can be achieved through several strategies:
- Education and Awareness: Inform the public about the risks associated with mass surveillance and the importance of encryption and secure phones for personal privacy.
- Adoption of Strong Encryption Tools: Use and promote open-source encryption software that does not contain backdoors and ensures secure communications.
- Lobbying and Advocacy: Actively participate in political discussions and pressure elected representatives to protect the rights to privacy and security of communications.
- Support Digital Rights Organizations: Support groups like Reclaim The Net and other organizations fighting censorship and invasive surveillance.
- International Collaboration: Work with international partners to develop privacy and security standards that resist pressure to weaken encryption.
Through these actions, you can defend your right to privacy and ensure that your communications remain secure and free from undue surveillance.