Surveillance around the world

When Theresa May unveiled the Investigatory Powers Bill, she claimed that it is the first legislation of its kind in the world. It will be a “comprehensive” framework to regulate how the government uses technology during investigations and create “unprecedented” transparency.

Critics on the other side have argued that the bill is vague and gives authorities too many intrusive powers. These powers will give oppressive governments around the world the legitimacy to use similar powers on their own citizens, according to the group ‘Don’t Spy on US’.

The group has recently launched a petition against the bill that reads: "Theresa May, I don’t want authoritarian surveillance powers in the UK. Reform the IPBill now.” 

In a press release they said: “The unprecedented coalition of civil liberties organisations believes the Investigatory Powers Bill, currently going through parliament, will make the UK a world leader in surveillance and inspire tyrants like Vladimir Putin and Robert Mugabe.”

The Director of the group, Eric King said: “The UK government should be leading the way in guaranteeing safe and secure communications for everyone. Instead it is providing examples for dictators and across the world.

When China introduced controversial sweeping surveillance powers just a few months ago its government claimed it was doing ‘basically the same as what other major countries in the world do.’ Oppressive regimes are already following our lead.”

Two satirical adverts by the group 'Don't Spy on Us' depicting Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin expressing support for the Investigatory Powers Bill

While the Investigatory Powers Bill gives large powers to the police and intelligence community, it is far from some authorities that other countries have. So, where does the UK stand on surveillance issues compared to the rest of the world?

Freedom of the Net is an organization that analyses government’s control of technology in its annual report. One category is surveillance. The UK ranks far better than a lot of other countries around the world where Internet harassment and spying are rampant. However, it is not among the best in the world.

Iceland comes near the top because it protects users ability to be anonymous on the Internet. The IP bill wants this to be impossible, which is why it wants to store Internet Connection Records.

Countries that rank worse than the UK include Venezuela, Indonesia, Iran and the Gambia.

Venezuela has several laws protecting users from government surveillance, but they tend to be ignored. Social media accounts are routinely watched and activists are targeted on them, according to the group.

Other countries would rank much higher, but do not due to lack of technological capability. In the Gambia, government forces use surveillance excessively against its own citizens, but because the capabilities are far less than many countries (including the UK) they only rank in the middle of the pack.

Other countries like to boast off their ability to watch their citizens. Iranian officials have said on multiple occasions that their government is able to catch and read all communication on apps like Whatsapp despite many tech experts believing it to be untrue.

If the IP Bill passes in its form, it will notch the UK up a few rings on the list, but it is unlikely that it will ever surpass other countries in terms of surveillance.

Take this quiz to find out which country you should live in based off what amount of surveillance you find acceptable! 

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