Bulk data collection vital to prevent terrorism in UK, report finds

The bulk collection of personal data by British spy agencies is vital in preventing terrorist attacks, an independent review of draft security legislation has found.

David Anderson QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, concluded that laws giving MI5, MI6 and GCHQ the right to gather large volumes of data from members of the public had a “clear operational purpose”. The findings were welcomed by the prime minister, Theresa May, but will be criticised by human rights and privacy campaigners in the wake of the Edward Snowden revelations.