French Assembly Approves Legislation Allowing Law Enforcement to Remotely Activate Mobile Device Cameras and Microphones for Surveillance

French law enforcement could soon have extensive powers to monitor suspected criminals, as a bill allowing police to remotely activate cameras, microphones, and GPS location systems on phones and other devices has been passed by lawmakers in the National Assembly. The use of these powers will require approval from a judge, and the amended bill specifically prohibits their use against journalists, lawyers, and other “sensitive professions,” as reported by Le Monde. The intention behind this measure is to restrict its use to serious cases and for a maximum period of six months. Geolocation capabilities will only be employed for crimes that carry a minimum prison sentence of five years.

An earlier version of the bill passed the Senate, but the amendment needs approval from the Legislature before it becomes law.

Defenders of civil liberties are worried. Digital rights group La Quadrature du Net previously pointed out the potential for abuse. As the bill is not clear on what constitutes a serious crime, there are fears that the French government will use this to target environmental activists and others who are not serious threats. The organization also notes that the worrisome security policy tends to expand to less serious crimes. Genetic registration was initially only used for sex offenders, La Quadrature says, but is now used for most crimes.

The group also points out that remote access may depend on security holes. The police would exploit security holes instead of telling manufacturers how to fix them, La Quadrature says.

Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti says the powers would only be used for “dozens” of cases a year, a “far cry” from Orwell’s 1984 surveillance state. It saves lives, the politician claims.

The legislation comes because concern about the control of government equipment is growing. There has been a backlash against the NSO Group, whose Pegasus spyware has allegedly been misused to spy on dissidents, activists and even politicians. While the French bill is more focused, it’s not exactly reassuring to those worried about government overreach.