These written observations have been submitted to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights by Amnesty International, Liberty, Privacy International and other human rights organisations, in a case concerning the UK government’s mass surveillance practices (Big Brother Watch and others; 10 Human Rights Organisations; Bureau of Investigative Journalism and others v United Kingdom).
The observations address both the UK’s bulk interception regime and intelligence sharing arrangements for receipt of intercepted material from foreign intelligence agencies, with respect to interference with rights under the European Convention on Human Rights; strict necessity and proportionality; and legality. The observations also address the protection of journalistic sources and material.