France Grants Police Remote Access to Suspects' Devices in Controversial Bill

France recently passed a "justice reform bill" that gives police the authority to remotely activate and monitor the camera, microphone, and GPS of suspects' devices. The bill, which passed with a majority vote of 80-24, allows law enforcement to use various connected electronics to monitor terrorism suspects, as well as those involved in organised crime and delinquency.

Certain professionals, such as journalists, judges, lawyers, doctors, and MPs, are exempt from the legislation. However, this new measure has sparked concerns over potential infringement of fundamental liberties, according to digital rights advocacy group La Quadrature du Net. They argue that the right to security, private life, private correspondence, and freedom of movement are at stake.

The vagueness of the bill's definition of a serious crime raises further issues. The government could potentially misuse these expanded police powers to suppress political activists and individuals who aren't a genuine threat to the state, warns the advocacy group.

The Paris Bar, a professional organisation representing 30,000 lawyers, issued a statement expressing grave concerns about the bill's impact on privacy. They argue that the bill's focus on public order does not justify the significant breach of privacy, especially in terms of conversations between lawyers and their clients.

Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti defended the new police powers, claiming they would only be used in a limited number of cases each year and asserting that it would ultimately save lives through enhanced surveillance measures.

- CyberBeat