Citizens' privacy won't be abused by 'spy bill', assures Ntshaveni

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Lindsay Dentlinger

CAPE TOWN - Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni is giving South Africans the assurance their right to privacy won't be abused through the bulk interception of communication by intelligence services.

Responsible for state security, Ntshaveni on Thursday clarified aspects of the so-called spy bill in Parliament, following recent public consultation in several provinces.

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The chief aim of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill is to once again separate the intelligence service into two agencies, foreign and domestic, in line with recommendations of a Presidential High-Level Review Panel and the Zondo Commission of Inquiry.

In restructuring the intelligence services, Ntshaveni said the Inspector General of Intelligence would need to conduct regular oversight of communication interception to guard against abuse.

"It will assure both members of the public that there will not be use of bulk interception by the agency, so that we can protect the privacy of South Africans."

Members of Parliament are however still concerned about how this will work in practice.

The African National Congress' (ANC) Bheki Hadebe: "We understand the need for bulk interception - that it has to be done. But there has to be safeguards.

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) Dianne Kohler-Barnard: "A lot of civilians believe that bulk interception just takes in every phone call in South Africa. They don't understand the actual need for that sort of activity."