The Haystack

The increasing danger of sophisticated hacking techniques, and the terrorist groups that routinely use them, demands a new approach from law enforcement. That’s why the U.K. Parliament is considering the Investigative Powers Bill, an important piece of legislation that would provide more leniency for wiretapping of private email and phone communications. Haystack examines whether the bill is effective or necessary, and what citizens will have to do if it is eventually implemented.

The UK government has the technology to eavesdrop on anyone’s phone and determine their location, service provider, personal email accounts and the content of their communications. But should they have access to this stuff? Their arguments are firmly rooted in the need to increase security; the threat of terrorism makes such measures essential to enhancing public safety. They claim the new bill will expand their capabilities but also provide a higher level of oversight.

The filmmakers behind The Haystack felt the issue needed further exploration, so they convened a panel of respondents from both sides of the debate. Her investigative journey began in the US, where whistleblower Edward Snowden’s revelations examined the UK’s role in potentially illegal surveillance. In fact, Britain is trying to expand these practices, which opponents say are all ploys to further trample on people’s privacy and civil liberties.

The film covers many of the key provisions of the Act, including search warrants and regulatory procedures. Supporters of the bill hailed it as an important step towards ensuring democracy and improving judgement. Opponents say that while the bill may ostensibly give the impression of transparency, each of its provisions has loopholes that can be easily exploited. As well as insights from mass surveillance insiders and representatives of regional surveillance organisations, we also see clips from a series of debates currently taking place in Parliament on this controversial issue.

Most importantly, The Haystack calls for less apathy and more vocal engagement from citizens who may be affected by this law. Otherwise, the British risked being deprived of many of their most cherished freedoms.

Directed by: Olivia Cappuccini