Will the cabinet go back on its decision to deliver telecom data to security apparatuses?

During its next session, the cabinet is expected to go back on its decision to deliver all the telecom data to security apparatuses, after the Lebanese delegation returned from France where it held meetings with security and judicial officials.           

According to the French officials, and the report made available to LBCI, the complete telecom data should not be delivered to the security apparatuses, unless a limited and justified request is presented.             

The French authorities consider that the only authority having the jurisdiction and power to whether or not give the administrative authorization is the Prime Minister in person, since he is the one entrusted with the general policy of the country.            

In this regard, member of Change and Reform bloc MP Simon Abi Ramia told LBCI that the complete telecom data should not be handed over to security apparatuses, noting that requests coming in the ministry "go beyond laws and logic".              

Abi Ramia stressed that the Telecommunications Minister is one responsible for handing over the data, pointing that there is an independent judicial committee in charge of this file.

However, while Future bloc member Nabil de Freij told LBCI that tapping and recording phone calls are considered a violation of people's freedom, he said that "the telecom data should be completely delivered to the security apparatuses".

For full LBCI report, click on the link above