Lib Dems would axe Tory mass internet snooping powers

The new powers spy on the internet use of everyone in the UK

(AFP/Getty)

The Liberal Democrats would scrap the mass snooping powers brought in by the Conservatives, the party has announced.

The party described the Investigatory Powers Act as a “full frontal assault on our privacy and civil liberties” and said the rules amounted to an “Orwellian nightmare”.

The powers require internet providers to bulk store records of websites accessed by everyone for a year on the grounds that the authorities might want to see them later if it later turns out they are suspected of a crime.

The Home Secretary Amber Rudd has also suggested banning end-to-end encryption, which critics say would make UK-based internet users vulnerable to cyber attack.

The 2010 Coalition government was characterised by tussles between the Lib Dems and Tories over snooping laws and privacy.

Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael said: “The Investigatory Powers Bill has laid the ground for full frontal assault on our privacy and civil liberties.

“The security services need to be able to keep people safe, but these powers are straight out of an Orwellian nightmare. They have no place in an open and democratic society, will cost billions of taxpayers’ money and simply will not work

“Instead of spying on the entire population’s web histories and undermining the encryption that, for example, allows us to bank online safely, Liberal Democrats would put money back into community policing and concentrate on intelligence-led, targeted surveillance.

“A Conservative landslide would give Theresa May a blank cheque to implement these draconian spying powers and Labour have shown they are incapable of opposing them.

“A strong Liberal Democrat opposition is crucial to challenge this government, stand up for people's civil liberties and change Britain’s future.”

The Act became law in November 2016 after resistance from the House of Lords.

Mr Rudd defended the new powers at the time, arguing that "at a time of heightened security threat, it is essential our law enforcement, security and intelligence services have the powers they need to keep people safe".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott have a history of criticising state spying powers but the party has shied away from opposing the Act. The Green Party also opposed the IP Act and says it will result in an abuse of power.