UK Met police using surveillance system to monitor mobile phone

Civil liberties group raises concerns over Met police purchase of technology to track public handsets over a targeted area, reports The Guardian.

Britain's largest police force is operating covert surveillance technology that can masquerade as a mobile phone network, transmitting a signal that allows authorities to shut off phones remotely, intercept communications and gather data about thousands of users in a targeted area.

The disclosure has caused concern among lawyers and privacy groups that large numbers of innocent people could be unwittingly implicated in covert intelligence gathering. The Met has refused to confirm whether the system is used in public order situations, such as during large protests or demonstrations.

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emily | 9:05 AM | Technology |
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