[wavejockglw]

Telecommunications company Vodafone's report on government surveillance of its customers in 29 countries reveals more than first meets the eye — and is raising questions from Dublin to Delhi about how much spying on email and telephone chats happens in secret.

In Friday's report Vodafone said most countries required the company's knowledge and cooperation to hear phone calls or see emails, but at least six governments have given their security agencies the power of direct access.

Vodafone didn't identify the countries that have tapped into its network, but the report provided some clues. An 88-page appendix reveals that five countries — Albania, Egypt, Hungary, Ireland and Qatar — have provisions that allow authorities to demand unfettered access.

In vague language, the report also indicated similar powers could exist in India and the United Kingdom, too.

http://www.chron.com/business/techno...te-5535452.php

[The Lord Lucan]

All 4 in UK (largely unrestricted). As it's SIS led, no doubt the MVNOs using own core ie Virgin are same.

They've been doing it with fixed lines both with and without permission for many years. The RIU's Tower at Capenhurst is one of the notable publicly known ones (in sight microwave intercept of BT Coms from Mainland to Ireland)

No one should be that surprised.

[John_Patrick]

Couldnt care less myself.

If you have nothing to hide and all that.

Terrorists, criminal gangs etc dont have codes of practice do they?

Im sure weve all seen TV programmes dating back many years showing our post (especially international post) been scrutinised... suspect packages opened etc. Cant remember any issues from the general public with that.

Similar thing with phone calls. They aint going to have one operative per active phone call are they? They will be targeting known criminals/terrorists and their associates. 99.9% of Joe Public have nothing to fear

[Thine Wonk]

The lack of accountability and oversight is the problem I think. This month will see Britain's first in secret trial, where no member of the public or press can attend.

The UK needs to have some body that oversees these things, otherwise they can easily get out of hand and before you know it we're living in a state like China, rather than a free and open society with an open legal system.

[John_Patrick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thine Wonk

The lack of accountability and oversight is the problem I think. This month will see Britain's first in secret trial, where no member of the public or press can attend.

The UK needs to have some body that oversees these things, otherwise they can easily get out of hand and before you know it we're living in a state like China, rather than a free and open society with an open legal system.

Ive only seen that story briefly but I assumed at the time its because there is a chance that things will be discussed that the Government/Secret Services/Police do not want to be public knowledge.

If we tell the public how these people were caught, were also advising the next lot of terrorists how to avoid been caught.

I know which I would prefer.

[Thine Wonk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_Patrick

Ive only seen that story briefly but I assumed at the time its because there is a chance that things will be discussed that the Government/Secret Services/Police do not want to be public knowledge.

If we tell the public how these people were caught, were also advising the next lot of terrorists how to avoid been caught.

I know which I would prefer.

So do I... not living in a state that carries out closed door justice. To be clear, many courts hear witness evidence "in camera" which means in a closed courtroom, but the entire case? that's in my opinion is a step too far, especially when you consider even the existence of the case was going to be kept secret.

The lack of accountability and oversight on mass surveillance of ordinary citizens is also concerning.