German parliament approves controversial telecom surveillance law

The German parliament approved a law on Friday requiring telecommunications providers to retain all customer communication data for a period of six months. From January 1, law enforcement bodies will be able to gain access to stored communications covering telephone calls, text messages and faxes if they obtain a court order. Access to emails and other internet data will be permissible from 2009. The amended telecommunications law also allows authorities to monitor the telephone conversations of lawyers, doctors and journalists in the course of investigations into serious crimes. Opposition politicians condemned the measure and said they would file a complaint with the constitutional court. The Greens and Left parties spoke of "a sad day for democracy."

German parliament approves controversial telecom surveillance law earthtimes.org Sat, Nov 10, 2007