MEPs Raise Concerns Over Sochi Winter Olympics Surveillance Plans Guardian (United Kingdom) (11/13/13) Walker, Shaun European Parliament member Sophie in t Veld and two other members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have tabled written questions that raise concerns about surveillance and security measures at the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics. The questions tabled by the MEPs reference a research project by two Russian investigative journalists that discovered that Internet and phone networks in Sochi were upgraded by Russias FSB security service using Sorm, a legal interception system that has been described as being more extensive than the National Security Agencys Prism surveillance program. It is feared that, when combined with other technologies, Sorm surveillance could be used as a political tool against gay rights or political protestors. In t Veld has asked Europol, the European police agency, to provide clarification about a data-sharing agreement planned with the Russians. The European Council and commission are obliged to respond to the questions posed by the MEPs in the coming weeks. In t Veld has said that she hopes the questions will act as a wake-up call and spark a discussion about what Europe can do to ensure that there will be some safeguards to prevent the surveillance and security programs at the Olympics from being misused.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 22:45:27 +0000
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