Documents relating to revised 'Snooper's Charter' have just been published

Advertisement

theresa may home secretary spying britain government

Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

British Home Secretary Theresa May.

The British Government introduced the revised Investigatory Powers Bill Tuesday, amid fears the controversial spying bill is being rushed through Parliament.

Advertisement

The bill explicitly grants police the power to hack into phones, and give them access to Brits' internet history.

The draft legislation has come under heavy criticism already - notably by three Parliamentary committees. In February, the Intelligence and Security Committee, which oversees the British spy agencies, called the bill at times "inconsistent and largely incomprehensible."

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Documents relating to the Investigatory Powers Bill were published Tuesday afternoon - you can see them all here.

In a statement, Home Secretary Theresa May alleges that "The Government is not seeking sweeping new powers. Rather the Bill ensures that the security and intelligence agencies and law enforcement continue to have the powers they need to keep us safe against a backdrop of an increasingly complex, serious and unpredictable threat."

Advertisement

This story is developing. Refresh the page regularly for updates.

There are worries that the bill is being hurried through Parliament, and will not be given sufficient scrutiny.

A group of MPs and civil society activists signed an open letter in The Telegraph on Tuesday morning calling on the Government not to "rush" through the legislation. "The Government's intention to pass the Investigatory Powers Bill this year is not in the nation's interest," it says.

"Surveillance is a global concern, and this new law, if done right, could lead the world. It will affect security, freedom and commerce. We must give the Bill the time it needs - not rush it through Parliament. We urge the Government to think again."

Signatories including Conservative MP David Davis, Lib Dem MP Tim Farron, and Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti.

Advertisement

This story is developing. Refresh the page regularly for updates.

NOW WATCH: Avoid these 5 mistakes when texting someone you want to date