Dubbed "French Big Brother" by opponents, the law will enable intelligence agencies to record any calls, text messages and internet activity using "black boxes." They'll be backed by the Prime Minister's office and aided by French carriers, who don't have much say in the matter. Authorities will also be able to execute wireless phone taps, install hidden cameras and more under the new laws. What most offends critics like Amnesty International, however, is the "warrantless" part. Though police and intelligence will need to consult a panel made up of judges, MPs and senators, their recommendations are not binding.

#LoiRenseignement: la France a désormais un cadre sécurisé contre le terrorisme et respectueux des libertés. C'est un progrès décisif! MV — Manuel Valls (@manuelvalls) July 23, 2015

Over 100,000 people signed a petition against the act, which Amnesty International called "a major blow to human rights in France." It added that "the surveillance measures authorized by this law are wildly out of proportion." However, a French advocacy group called La Quadrature du Net told EUobserver that it's ready to challenge the law in the EU's Court of Human Rights. "Mass surveillance is part of an intolerable and oppressive machine, which is by nature the seed of totalitarianism."