Blanket surveillance incompatible with Human Rights
John Finnie, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for the Highlands & Islands, today used Topical Questions at Holyrood to question Ministers about the latest revelations concerning mass surveillance.
Documents released by US whistleblower Edward Snowden show that a policing body called the Scottish Recording Centre was given access to swathes of communications data including phone activity, internet histories and social media behaviour.
John Finnie MSP said:
"This sort of blanket surveillance is out of proportion, inefficient and incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Cabinet Secretary today attempted to give the impression that all policing activities in Scotland are proportional and that interceptions are independently approved but as we know that is not always the case.
"There is clearly a culture of bulk collection of data that needs reined in. I will continue to challenge such over-reaching activities."
Exclusive: Edward Snowden leaks reveal secret Scottish spy system (Common Space, 11 June)