Security services are entrusted with defending our free and open society. To that end they may use far-reaching powers. Powers that must be effective yet at the same time must be used within the limits set by our democracy under the rule of law. Those powers are wielded in secret, and occasionally with drastic implications. For the security of our digital infrastructure, or because the security services use those powers to collect data on a large scale. That is why close supervision of the secret services’ activities is essential. Bits of Freedom guards our internet freedom and online privacy. We monitor the activities of the security services and those of the regulating authorities.

What's going on?

Security services want and can collect, process and share increasingly more, and less targeted, data. Using so-called dragnet powers they collect huge volumes of data on millions of citizens in one go. This means that citizens and their communications come into the sights of security services more often, more easily and more comprehensively.

Meanwhile, the supervision of security services is under pressure. For lack of binding powers the regulator (CTIVD) cannot take action where necessary, for instance if security services unlawfully store and use our data. The position of the Review Board for the Use of Powers (Tib), which reviews requests to use drastic powers, and does have binding powers, is at risk of being eroded.

What does Bits of Freedom think?

Bits of Freedom is against mass surveillance, and holds the opinion that the government should not look over the shoulders of its citizens. The by-catch of dragnet powers is huge, and consists mostly of internet communications between citizens. By intercepting the internet traffic and communications of citizens systematically and on a large scale, the security services infringe our rights and freedoms. Like the right to freedom of speech, our privacy and our freedom of communication. And by using unknown vulnerabilities and (strategically) using their hacking powers, the security services endanger the security of our digital infrastructure.

Precisely when such drastic powers are granted, like those to the security services, adequate safeguards and supervision are vital. Citizens should know who may collect their data and under what circumstances, and what happens to their data. There should be a need for powers, and they should be exercised only if no milder means are available. What’s more, they should be in proportion to the purpose and be verifiable. Also, there should be effective supervision. This means that regulators should be enabled to fulfil their duties, for example by getting access to all the information they need, and by being able to intervene where necessary, and when effective.

What does Bits of Freedom do?

Bits of Freedom takes an active part in the public debate about the security services. We contribute to internet consultations, talk to policy makers on a regular basis on how policies could (and should) be improved, and present our view in the press and on TV. Where necessary, we do not hesitate to take action, for instance by filing complaints. We rescued the data of millions of citizens from the security services’ claws once before. Sometimes we call on our supporters (that’s you!) to make themselves heard. We do not shy away from taking legal action as a last resort, and explore the possibilities of a lawsuit in a broad coalition of NGO’s, journalists, lawyers and tech corporations under the coordination of PILP.