France approves law to remotely eavesdrop devices of suspected terrorists

French National Assembly, which serves as lower house of country's legislative body, passed a provision which enables remote surveillance of devices as part of a legal reform package on Wednesday. This provision enables surveillance of devices in situations where ir owners are suspected of participating in a terrorist attack or engaging in organised crime, reported Sputnik news citing live brocast of parliament meeting. proposal was approved with 80 votes in favour and 24 against.

Early June, French Senate, which serves as upper house of country's legislative body, passed a contentious provision as part of a justice bill. 

senators also approved a provision within bill that authorised law enforcement to track location of devices owned by individuals suspected of committing a crime that carries a sentence exceeding ten years in prison.

Following a terrorist attack in January 2015, French government began enhancing capabilities of its intelligence agencies, despite facing opposition from civil rights activists who argued that new legislation resembled a European version of US Patriot Act.

France approves police drones in response to rioting

Wednesday legislation comes against backdrop of widespre riots and protests in France following death of a 17-year-old shot by police in a Paris suburb. Public opposition to use of drones by police for surveillance purposes in France was evident during riots.

Authorities hesitated to authorise drone flights to monitor affected neighbourhoods, waiting until sixth consecutive night of unrest before granting permission to law enforcement agencies.

initial approval was given on Thursday following first incidents of violence that occurred across country. Subsequently, or regional police prefectures grually allowed nighttime drone deployment around major cities in France, with most granting permission on Saturday.

It was not until Sunday, prior to relatively calm sixth night of unrest, that officials in Paris approved aerial surveillance for capital city and its surrounding suburbs.