Snooping Bill ‘will hit our rights’

Under the Communications Data Bill, authorities would be allowed to identify who an individual was contacting, how often and for how long, and could access their internet browsing history — though they would not be able to view the content of email and text messages.

The government claimed the plans are needed to tackle crime and terrorism and to ensure the police and security services can keep pace with developments in technology.

But Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said: “Two years ago, the coalition bound itself together with promises and action to protect our rights and freedoms.

“As the strains of governing in a recession begin to show, politicians of all parties should remember the values that we are all supposed to share.”