15 Jul Dutch Senate Vote Grants New Surveillance Powers to Authorities
The Dutch government voted in favor of the new Intelligence and Security Act which increases the authorities’ surveillance powers, according to a report last Thursday.
The new Intelligence and Security Act allows the police leeway to pursue even the relatives of terror suspects and and serious criminals. It also provides Dutch intelligence with greater surveillance powers including data retention for three years with service providers, wire tapping, and license to share information with foreign equivalents.
Several privacy advocates like online rights group, Bits of Freedom have strongly  expressed their opposition against the new law. They claimed they would take action by staging protests and filing lawsuits against the invasive policy.
Legislators assert the necessity of the Act, arguing that it will help fight rising threats of terrorism and cyber attacks. Any criticism is counterpoised by promises of better, more responsible oversight.
Source: The Register
