The conflict between privacy rights and state access to information has become a focal point of legal and ethical arguments in an era when data is important. The Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data, or CLOUD Act, a law with far-reaching repercussions for persons and organizations, is a crucial factor in this ongoing debate. This law changes the game for how data is handled across borders, impacting our privacy and cybersecurity.
OZG (Onlinezugangsgesetz) is the latest example of a European-based law that aims to improve the quality of public services for citizens. The German Online Access Act is yet to be fully implemented, but the implications are far-reaching. European countries often set the trends and standards with their legislation: will there be a spillover effect, and will other countries follow the German lead? This remains to be seen in the following years.
Today marks the first day of the Report Stage of the Online Safety Bill. As this Bill progresses through the Houses of Parliament, we hope to (once again) raise the alarm around the risks to encryption posed by this Bill. As ever, our concern is around chapter 5 of the Bill, particularly clause 111 (formerly clause 110, before changes in the House of Lords). This is a key section as it defines the approach to notices to deal with terrorism and CSEA content.