Home Secretary asks industry to back renewed Communications Data Bill
Theresa May is seeking industry support for a renewed attempt to pass the Communications Data Bill, popularly known as the “Snoopers’ Charter”.
On Tuesday, the Home Secretary met with companies including BT, TalkTalk, EE, Vodaphone, and Virgin Media to discuss plans to bring forward a new draft of the Communications Data Bill in October.
The government has been criticised in the past for failing to consult industry on proposed surveillance legislation, most noticeably by the Joint Committee convened to scrutinise an earlier draft of the Bill in 2012.
57. The evidence we received shows that United Kingdom CSPs were not given any details about the possible content of notices before the draft Bill was published, overseas CSPs were not consulted about the draft Bill at all, nor was there any further public consultation.
58. Before re-drafted legislation is introduced there should be a new round of consultation with technical experts, industry, law enforcement bodies, public authorities and civil liberties groups…
— Draft Communications Data Bill Joint Committee – First Report
Non-ISP networks and civil liberties groups have reportedly been summoned to separate meetings.
For more information, see: May seeks backing for surveillance laws – Financial Times
