Queen's Speech outlines plans to expand on 'Snooper's Charter' as part of Investigatory Powers Bill

Legislation outlines plans to give authorities more powers to target online communications

Proposals for new legislation designed to give the authorities extended powers to "target the online communications" of suspects via bulk collection of personal data have been outlined by the Conservative government as part of the Queen's speech.

Named the ‘Investigatory Powers Bill,' the legislation looks to combine plans originally outlined in the Communications Data Act - dubbed Snooper's Charter by critics - while also providing police and intelligence agencies with much wider powers to monitor communications in legislation that will "modernise the law on communications data". Its introduction will be overseen by Home Secretary Theresa May.

The government claims that the legislation will improve the authorities ability to intercept criminals by "better equipping law enforcement and intelligence agencies to meet their key operational requirements".

The Investigatory Powers Bill will "maintain the ability of our intelligence agencies to target the online communications of terrorists, and other relevant capabilities," claims Downing Street while also providing for "appropriate oversight arrangements and safeguards".

However, that is unlikely to be enough to silence critics, who argued that the original Snooper's Charter, which proposed that internet companies be required to monitor and preserve records of everyone's internet browsing and email habits, represented a massive breach of individual freedoms.

The government attempted to pass the Communications Data Bill multiple times during the last parliament, but opposition from the Liberal Democrats saw it withdrawn on each occasion.

In theory, a majority Conservative government - now rid of their former coalition partners - should have an easier time passing the legislation. However, it will still need to do work in order to convince some of those on its own back benches.

Speaking to Computing in December last year, Conservative MP David Davis argued that personal data should be private property. The MP has long been an opponent of the Communications Data Bill.

Nonetheless, Downing Street insists that the Investigatory Powers Bill is required because "the gap in capabilities are putting lives at risk".

Antony Walker, Deputy CEO of techUK welcomed government plans to ensure legislation surrounding communications data "must be fit for purpose in the digital age," but warned the government bust be clear on what it requires from technology and communications firms.

"We encourage the government to consult in detail with the industry to ensure a clear legal framework that provides trust and clarity for the public and for businesses providing communications services. It matters that we get the detail right," he said.

The government also used the Queen's Speech to briefly outline plans to "reduce the threat from cyber attacks" and stated that it will work towards "ensuring we have a resilient power supply in the event of major disruption, regardless of whether it is due to cyber-attack or any other cause".