In proposed changes to the investigatory powers law, the government want to directly spy on your internet usage in real-time; without you knowing!

Online privacy is a contentious subject. Some believe that the internet should be regulated to prevent illegal activity, while others believe that the internet is the only free resource still available. What is clear is that neither side of the argument is happy with the other. The announcement comes following a leak of the draft law proposal.

What is the Law change proposing?

The primary proposal will affect your internet service provider. They would be required to supply any usage data or site traffic by no later than 24 hours of the request. They could also be made to allow for real-time viewing of your usage. Therefore the YouTube videos you are watching or the pornographic preferences you have could be viewed and recorded. The law also proposes that such access can be done in privacy, meaning the user would not be informed.

Whats wrong with such levels of access?

The obvious opponents are those who attest that the internet should not be restricted in any way. This opinion by proxy includes a significant amount of content which is illegal in many countries. Many users have fled to the ‘deep net’ to seek freedom, although the risks on there are very real. Cryptographers argue that such a system implementation will also allow hackers to gain an insight into your usage. It should be noted that this draft has been released in secret and there was no legal obligation for this change in the law to be announced publicly. The truth is that if the document had not have been leaked, we likely would not have heard about the change.

When will this law come into effect?

The draft for this change is in consultation pending approval. The decision is due for this on the 19th of May with the likelihood that this draft will be approved. With the recent increase in terrorism, the government will see this as decisive action in stopping the spread of illegal, hateful or incited content. The announcement comes only weeks after the British Prime Minister delivered a heavy criticism of online media sites.

The force may be out of balance in regards to privacy on the internet. Such laws will no doubt only add fuel to the conspiracy theory fires.