Police could routinely hack into personal computers without
the need for a warrant under new plans from the European Union.
The technique, known as "remote searching" involves
bugging computers in homes and offices in order to monitor
website use and email traffic.
The Home Office is backing proposals by the EU council of
ministers to extend electronic surveillance on private property.
It would allow other European nations to request surveillance
by British police.
The proposals have raised concerns among civil liberties
groups and Shami Chakrabati, director of Liberty, said: "These
are very intrusive powers, as intrusive as someone busting
down your door and coming into your home.
"The public will want this to be controlled by new legislation
and judicial authorisation. Without those safeguards it's
a devastating blow to any notion of personal privacy."
Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, said the proposals
may benefit law enforcement but added: "The exercise
of such intrusive powers raises serious privacy issues. The
government must explain how they would work in practice and
what safeguards will be in place to prevent abuse."
