It really did not take long for the senators to study the Justice bill carried by Éric Dupond-Moretti. The text submitted on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, was approved at first reading, with some amendments.
The Justice Law is in the process of being definitively ratified. The Senate accepted the broad outlines, including the most contested: the possibility for the authorities toremotely activate smartphone microphones and cameras or computers of a person under investigation. Beyond its feasibility in technical terms, this provision worries not only the left, but especially the defenders of freedom. Are deviations to be feared?
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This provision of Article 3, which gives the possibility of spying on the communications of a remote device without the knowledge of its owner, will not only allow the authorities to see and record the voice communications and video streams of the persons concerned, but it will also make it possible to know the precise geographic coordinates and in real time.
The Senate authorizes justice to activate smartphones remotely, in certain cases
For less serious offenses, misdemeanors and other offenses therefore, the police may request to obtain the data of real-time geolocation of the offender. On the other hand, in cases of delinquency, organized crime or terrorism, the Justice will have full latitude to monitor suspects from a distance. If we understand the interest for Justice to obtain such information, we can be legitimately worried about the misuse of these new “powers”.
Environmental Senator Guy Benarroche describes the decision of his colleagues as ” door open to widespread surveillance “. Mr. Dupond-Moretti tempers this kind of remark by emphasizing that “these techniques are already applied”, but require the installation of snitches, which is much more risky for the investigators. He also recalls that ” the provision is surrounded by important safeguards “. The procedure must in particular be approved by a judge and real-time geolocation can only be used for offenses “punishable by at least ten years of imprisonment”.
Source: France Info