International News
France Passes Bill Allowing Remote Phone Surveillance
The French government has successfully passed a bill that grants police authorities the ability to conduct remote surveillance on individuals by activating various features of their mobile phones, including cameras, microphones, and GPS.
This bill extends the scope of geolocation tracking to cover suspects of criminal activities, encompassing additional devices such as laptops, vehicles, and connected devices.
The surveillance measures outlined in the bill also enable law enforcement agencies to remotely activate recording functionalities to capture audio and visual evidence related to suspected cases of terrorism, organized crime, and delinquency.
However, the inclusion of these surveillance provisions within the broader “justice reform bill” has sparked criticism from both the political left and rights advocates, who argue that it represents an overreach of state power and an encroachment on individual privacy rights.
Detractors of the bill have labeled it as an authoritarian “snoopers’ charter,” expressing concerns about potential abuses and violations of civil liberties.
The provisions outlined in the surveillance bill passed have raised significant concerns regarding the potential infringement of fundamental liberties, according to La Quadrature du Net, a prominent advocacy group promoting digital rights and freedoms.
The group has specifically pointed out that these provisions pose a threat to the rights of security, privacy, private correspondence, and freedom of movement.
They have criticized the proposal as a step towards an overly heavy-handed approach to security.
But lawmakers agreed to the bill late Wednesday as Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti insisted the bill would affect only “dozens of cases a year.”
During the parliamentary debate on Wednesday, lawmakers aligned with President Emmanuel Macron introduced an amendment to the surveillance bill, which seeks to restrict the use of remote spying to specific circumstances.
According to the amendment, remote surveillance would only be permitted when deemed necessary due to the nature and severity of the crime at hand, and the duration of such surveillance would be strictly proportional to the situation.
Additionally, the provision requires judicial approval for its implementation, with the total duration of surveillance limited to a maximum of six months.
Furthermore, the amendment explicitly excludes certain professions from being legitimate targets of remote spying. Individuals in sensitive roles, including doctors, journalists, lawyers, judges, and members of parliament, would be protected under the revised legislation.
Last month, the French Senate granted approval to a provision within the justice bill, which grants law enforcement authorities the ability to covertly activate cameras and microphones on devices belonging to suspects.
This provision represents an expansion of France’s surveillance capabilities, which have been steadily increasing since the wave of terrorist attacks in 2015.
The bill, commonly referred to as the “Keeper of the Seal” bill, has drawn comparisons to the controversial U.S. Patriot Act due to its perceived similarities in terms of surveillance powers.
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to take sweeping actions against what he described as “transgender lunacy,” signaling a push to reverse policies protecting transgender individuals in schools, sports, and the military.
Speaking at the AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Trump outlined his administration’s priorities, stating, “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.”
READ MORE: Ex-IMF Chief, Rodrigo Rato Jailed For Money Laundering, Fraud
He also vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports” and asserted, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”
The president-elect’s remarks come amid growing national debate over transgender rights, with states divided over issues such as gender-affirming medical care and the inclusion of books addressing transgender topics in schools.
The controversy escalated last week when Congress passed a defense budget provision blocking funding for certain gender-affirming care for the children of service members.
Trump’s speech drew strong reactions, with critics warning that his policies could strip essential protections from transgender individuals.
Civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the implications of these proposals on marginalized communities.
In addition to his focus on cultural issues, Trump used the event to outline his vision for the nation under his leadership.
He described his presidency as a turning point, promising to address international conflicts and restore American dominance.
“On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, national decline, and we will inaugurate a new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness,” Trump declared, referring to his upcoming swearing-in.
He pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and avert global conflict. “I will stop the chaos in the Middle East, and I will prevent, I promise, World War III,” he said.
The president-elect also reiterated his commitment to reclaiming control of the Panama Canal and combating crime linked to illegal immigration.
“I can proudly proclaim that the golden age of America is upon us,” Trump concluded.
A Madrid court on Friday handed down a sentence of more than four years in prison to Rodrigo Rato, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Spain’s ex-economy minister.
Rato was convicted of multiple charges, including tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption.
READ MORE: NCDMB Rewards Winners Of 2024 Edition National Undergraduate Essay Competition
The court found Rato guilty of “three offences against the treasury, one offence of money laundering, and one offence of corruption between individuals,” according to an official statement.
Details shortly………..
South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the Justice Ministry confirmed Monday, following a week of political chaos triggered by his brief declaration of martial law.
The ban marks the first time a sitting president has faced such a restriction in the nation’s history.
Recall that on December 3, Yoon ordered special forces and helicopters to the National Assembly in an attempt to impose martial law.
RELATED NEWS: Martial Law: South Korea Opposition Files Impeachment Motion Against President Yoon
Lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order. Although he survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, public anger has continued to mount, with large protests demanding his resignation.
Authorities are now investigating Yoon and his close allies for their roles in last week’s events, including allegations of insurrection.
Among those facing travel bans are former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is in custody, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.
General Park An-su, who led the martial law operation, and Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung have also been barred from leaving the country.
General Park was questioned by investigators on Monday as the probe intensified.
Yoon’s impeachment failed after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) walked out of the National Assembly, denying the opposition the required two-thirds majority.
In exchange for their support, Yoon reportedly agreed to delegate his powers to the prime minister and the PPP chairman.
“This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party.
Critics argue that Yoon’s decision to hand power to unelected officials violates the constitution.
“It seems to resemble an unconstitutional soft coup,” said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University.
“Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” added Park Chan-dae.
Despite Yoon’s apology for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law order, his approval rating has plummeted to 11%, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Opposition leaders have announced plans for a second impeachment vote on Saturday, with massive protests expected outside the National Assembly.
The PPP’s claim that Yoon can remain in office while delegating his powers to party officials has also been widely criticized.
“If there are issues with the president, the constitution lays out clear procedures, such as suspension or impeachment,” said Professor Kim Hae-won.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about South Korea’s leadership amid tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea.
The Defense Ministry confirmed Monday that Yoon remains the official commander in chief, despite questions about his authority.
“Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-Kyou.
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
Ondo Election Legal Battle Intensifies As PDP’s Ajayi Files Appeal
Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede
Labour Kicks Against N935/Litre Petrol, Wants More
Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party
CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
