The UK government is seeking more power for its police, spies, and other agencies to gather data online. It’s a response to concerns that criminals and terrorists are operating online. Theresa May, head the newly approved legislation, explained the reasoning behind the parliamentary bill.

Criminals “are exploiting the technological benefits of the modern age for their twisted ends, and they will continue to do so for as long as it gives them a perceived advantage. We must ensure that those charged with keeping us safe can keep pace.”

So to “keep pace” with criminals, the UK government thinks that it is necessary to retain a record of internet service provider and their customers for 12 months. This means that a WIDE range of governmental bodies could access usage records without a warrant. May did acknowledge that communication interception is one of the most sensitive and intrusive capabilities that the government has, but that it’s also the most useful in investigations.

Critics like shadow home secretary Andy Burnham found fault with the bill. “There is a genuine worry that providing for the accumulation of large amounts of personal data presents risks to people’s privacy and online security. More specifically, there is a concern that investigatory powers can be abused and have been abused in the past. In recent years, there have been revelations about how bereaved families, justice campaigners, environmental campaigners, journalists and trade unionists have been subject to inappropriate police investigation.”

As with all powerful bills, it should only be expected that this power will be misused. Other critics like Joana Cherry, Scottish National Party spokesperson think that the bill is a “rushed job” that does not go far enough to protect our civil liberties. A rushed job has room for the government to move freely without restrictions and gives them room to accomplish what they want, without any power checks.

These internet records could list details as websites visited, communication software used, system updates downloaded, and even logs from mobile apps and other devices connected to the web.

“I am advised that that includes baby monitors, games consoles, digital cameras and e-book readers. That is fantastically intrusive. As has been said, many public authorities will have access to these internet connection records, including Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and the Department for Work and Pensions, and it will be obtained without a warrant. Do we want to go that far?”

The parliamentary bill already has passed its second reading by 281 votes to 15 votes.

In summation, this bill is simply too wide-encompassing which will step over boundaries that should be kept. VPNs are always good steps to protecting your online security through encryption, and while many privacy-focused people already rely on them–a large majority of internet users don’t even know what a VPN is. Do you know what a VPN is?

If this bill continues to pass through without opposition, VPNs will very soon become MANDATORY if you want to use your internet privately in the UK.

If you’re not in the UK, but want access to BBC iPlayer, or even if you are, check out this guide to using a VPN with BBC iPlayer.

Questions about UK VPNs, or just have questions about VPNs– come on over to our forums.