UK tests controversial web snooping technology

According to Wired, police and internet companies across the UK have been secretly building and testing surveillance technology that could log and store the web browsing of every single person in the country, under the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act. The trial involves the creation of Internet Connection Records (ICRs) by Internet companies, following an order by a judge. The first of these orders was made in July 2019 and launched ICRs being trialled, followed by a second order in October 2019. Once the trials will be fully assessed, a decision will be made on whether the system will be expanded nationally. The specific nature of the trial is a closely guarded secret. It remains unclear what data is being collected, which companies are involved and how the information is being used.