France: New Intelligence Bill would pave the way for extremely intrusive surveillance

© REUTERS/Zoran Milich

In order for surveillance to be lawful, it must be targeted, based on reasonable suspicion, and subject to prior judicial authorisation.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

MEDIA ADVISORY

(London, 18 March 2015) A new Intelligence Bill to be put before the French Cabinet tomorrow (19 March) would pave the way for extremely intrusive surveillance practices with no judicial pre-authorisation, said Amnesty International today.

“The surveillance practices envisaged in the draft legislation, would give the French authorities extremely broad surveillance powers running against fundamental principles of proportionality and legality, which ought to govern all restrictions on the right to privacy and free speech,” said Dominique Curis, Campaigner at Amnesty International France.

"In order for surveillance to be lawful, it must be targeted, based on reasonable suspicion, and subject to prior judicial authorisation."
 
Amnesty International spokespeople and specialists are available for interview in English and in French. For further information or to arrange interviews please contact:

In France: Aurélie Chatelard / Laure Delattre / Marilyne Griffon +33 1 53 38 66 00, +33 6 76 94 37 05

In London: Louise Orton +44 207 413 5599, +44 7778 472126, [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

Today, Amnesty International published a global opinion poll on internet surveillance by the US and other governments. The poll marks the launch of a worldwide campaign calling on governments to end indiscriminate mass surveillance of internet use and mobile communication.