06/02/2024
FINAL CALL FOR COMMENT AT THE LINK – SPY BILL ALLOWS MASS SURVEILLANCE OF ALL SOUTH AFRICANS dearsouthafrica.co.za/gilab-spy-bill/
If the bill currently before Parliament is passed into law as it now stands, the government will be able to mass monitor the phone conversations, emails, private messenger services and web browsing logs of every South African behind a veil of secrecy in the name of “national security”.
In its current form, the Bill proposes, amongst other things, to:
• Allow South Africa’s intelligence agencies to conduct security competence tests on any person, religious organisation and/or NGO.
• Expand the definition of “national security” to not only include threats, but potential threats, opportunities, and even potential opportunities.
• Expand the definition of a “threat to national security” to include “subversion and undue influence by hostile interests on Government processes, policies and the sovereignty of the State and its organs”. This is so wide that it could include members of civil society who oppose policies, regulations and draft legislation.
With the expiry of Parliament’s present term just around the corner, it is concerning that a law that poses such drastic interference with constitutional rights and civil liberties has been introduced at such a late stage.
The Bill is being rushed through Parliament with undue haste – hence it is important for as many organisations and individuals as possible to respond swiftly and oppose, amend or support the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill.
Yes or No – Do you support the 'Spy Bill' in its current form as presented by parliament?
Please take a minute to have a say at this link right away dearsouthafrica.co.za/gilab-spy-bill/ (Additional information, documents and explanatory videos are available on the participation pages).