Power to shut down phone networks is ‘proportionate’ – watchdog

Thejournal.ie -

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties says shutting down mobile phone networks is a fair power to deal with terrorist threats.

A CIVIL RIGHTS watchdog has said the proposals to give the government the power to shut down mobile phone networks, if it fears the possibility of a terrorist attack, is a reasonable and “proportionate” power for the government to hold.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) says the proposal – which is being included in anti-terrorism laws passed by the Dáil today, and being sent to the Seanad – is a reasonable one.

This evening the council said the circumstances under which phone networks could be shut down were particularly stringent.

“The proposed cessation of mobile services is subject to strict time limits; can only be authorised at the highest levels; and must be demonstrated to be of direct material necessity,” said ICCL policy manager Deirdre Duffy.

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