GCHQ boosts powers to launch mass data hacking

Expanded intelligence gathering is 'a grave threat' warn rights groups

The UK's intelligence agencies are to significantly increase their use of large-scale data hacking after claiming that more targeted operations are being rendered obsolete by technology.

The move, which has alarmed civil liberty groups, will see an expansion in what is known as the "bulk equipment interference (EI) regime" - the process by which GCHQ can target entire communication networks overseas in a bid to identify individuals who pose a threat to national security.

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