## Counter-intelligence is the activity of preventing or disrupting the #espionage or sabotage attempts of foreign #intelligenceservices. It is not illegal in the #UK, as long as it is conducted by authorised agencies and in accordance with the law. However, the UK has recently introduced a new National Security Bill that aims to strengthen the legal framework for countering state threats, including espionage and foreign interference. ¹²
The Bill proposes new offences of obtaining or disclosing protected information, obtaining or disclosing trade secrets, and assisting a foreign intelligence service, as well as a new registration scheme for foreign agents. The Bill also increases the maximum sentences for existing offences under the Official Secrets Acts. The government claims that these measures are necessary to protect the UK's national security and interests from hostile state actors, who use covert means and cyber techniques to undermine the UK's democracy, economy, and alliances. ¹³⁴⁵
The Bill has been criticised by some civil society groups and media organisations, who argue that it could have a chilling effect on whistleblowing, journalism, and academic research. They also raise concerns about the lack of safeguards and oversight for the new powers and offences, and the potential impact on human rights and privacy.
: [New UK bill could criminalise journalism and whistleblowing, rights groups warn]
: [National Security Bill: a threat to democracy and free speech]
: [UK: National Security Bill threatens human rights]
Source: Conversation with Bing, 07/02/2024
(1) New espionage offences: factsheet - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-bill-factsheets/espionage-etc-national-security-bill-factsheet.
(2) Counter-Espionage | MI5 - The Security Service. https://www.mi5.gov.uk/counter-espionage.
(3) UK exposes attempted Russian cyber interference in politics and .... https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-exposes-attempted-russian-cyber-interference-in-politics-and-democratic-processes.
(4) Foreign interference: National Security Bill factsheet - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-bill-factsheets/foreign-interference-national-security-bill-factsheet.
(5) Consultation document: legislation to counter state threats ... - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/legislation-to-counter-state-threats/consultation-document-legislation-to-counter-state-threats-accessible-version.
10Luno
npub12g…u22cf
2024-02-07 22:25:15
Author Public Key
npub12g820dm4gettjvrdq8x6dp53vm427v3uws78txyyavm0rckjdydq2u22cfPublished at
2024-02-07 22:25:15Event JSON
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"content": "## Counter-intelligence is the activity of preventing or disrupting the #espionage or sabotage attempts of foreign #intelligenceservices. It is not illegal in the #UK, as long as it is conducted by authorised agencies and in accordance with the law. However, the UK has recently introduced a new National Security Bill that aims to strengthen the legal framework for countering state threats, including espionage and foreign interference. ¹²\n\nThe Bill proposes new offences of obtaining or disclosing protected information, obtaining or disclosing trade secrets, and assisting a foreign intelligence service, as well as a new registration scheme for foreign agents. The Bill also increases the maximum sentences for existing offences under the Official Secrets Acts. The government claims that these measures are necessary to protect the UK's national security and interests from hostile state actors, who use covert means and cyber techniques to undermine the UK's democracy, economy, and alliances. ¹³⁴⁵\n\nThe Bill has been criticised by some civil society groups and media organisations, who argue that it could have a chilling effect on whistleblowing, journalism, and academic research. They also raise concerns about the lack of safeguards and oversight for the new powers and offences, and the potential impact on human rights and privacy. \n\n: [New UK bill could criminalise journalism and whistleblowing, rights groups warn]\n: [National Security Bill: a threat to democracy and free speech]\n: [UK: National Security Bill threatens human rights]\n\nSource: Conversation with Bing, 07/02/2024\n(1) New espionage offences: factsheet - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-bill-factsheets/espionage-etc-national-security-bill-factsheet.\n(2) Counter-Espionage | MI5 - The Security Service. https://www.mi5.gov.uk/counter-espionage.\n(3) UK exposes attempted Russian cyber interference in politics and .... https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-exposes-attempted-russian-cyber-interference-in-politics-and-democratic-processes.\n(4) Foreign interference: National Security Bill factsheet - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-security-bill-factsheets/foreign-interference-national-security-bill-factsheet.\n(5) Consultation document: legislation to counter state threats ... - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/legislation-to-counter-state-threats/consultation-document-legislation-to-counter-state-threats-accessible-version.",
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