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http://hothardware.com/news/uks-draconian-gchq-given-unimpeachable-powers-to-legally-hack-track-and-steal-from-citizens

>If you thought that United States intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the country were incredibly adamant about spying on its citizens (going to extreme lengths to do so), you haven’t seen anything yet. Across the pond, the Campaigners Privacy International filed a formal complaint against the UK’s GCHQ, levying claims that the agency’s efforts to hack the devices of ordinary citizens was unlawful.

>However, not only did the GCHQ acknowledge that it was involved in a widespread hacking campaign (reversing previous denials on the matter), but the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) actually condoned the actions, which it calls Computer Network Exploitation (CNE), and deemed them lawful. As the BBC notes, the GCHQ is given full authority to “remotely activate cameras and microphones on devices, without the owner's knowledge, log keystrokes, install malware, copy documents and track locations.”

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>The tribunal further justifies the GCHQ’s actions, writing:

>"[There is a need for] balance to be drawn between the urgent need of the Intelligence Agencies to safeguard the public and the protection of an individual’s privacy and/or freedom of expression. We are satisfied that with the new E I Code, and whatever the outcome of Parliamentary consideration of the IP Bill, a proper balance is being struck in regard to the matters we have been asked to consider. "

>For its part, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond applauded the ruling, stating, "The ability to exploit computer networks plays a crucial part in our ability to protect the British public.

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