Swiss vote to grant new powers to intelligence services

GENEVA – Swiss voters granted new powers Sunday to the country’s intelligence services, allowing them to track internet activity, snoop on email and tap phones to better fight spies, criminal hackers and violent extremists.

A majority of 65.5 per cent voted for the new law in the national referendum, Swiss media reported.

Under it, the Federal Intelligence Service and other authorities will be allowed to tap phones, infiltrate email and deploy hidden cameras and microphones to monitor suspects who are deemed a clear threat — but only if authorized by the federal administrative tribunal and oversight counsellors.

Until now, Swiss authorities had been barred from using anything more than publicly available information or tips from foreign officials when monitoring threats inside the country.

Proponents said the law was needed to help Switzerland catch up with other countries that have stronger legal arsenals to counter cyber-crime or extremist attacks. Opponents say it will deplete civil liberties, do little to truly impede terrorism and chip away at Switzerland’s long-vaunted neutrality.