French lawmakers have adopted a sweeping justice reform bill that includes a provision to allow law enforcement agents to remotely tap into the cameras, microphones and location services of internet-connected devices used by some criminal suspects. The measure passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday stipulates that the procedure can be executed “without the knowledge or consent of its owner or possessor.” But its use is limited to suspects involved in terrorism, organized crime and other illegal activities punishable by five or more years in prison. The language authorizing eavesdropping is contained in a broader reform bill aimed at “modernizing” penal procedures, reflecting a public demand for more law and order.
