Surveillance challenge fast-tracked by ECtHR

A legal challenge to GCHQ’s surveillance programme has been fast-tracked by the European Court of Human Rights.

English Pen, Big Brother Watch and other civil liberties campaigners brought the action following revelations about GCHQ’s collection of internet data from millions of people not under any suspicion. The court has now asked the UK government to respond by 2 May to the claims that its surveillance practices unjustifiably breached Art 8 rights to privacy.

Daniel Carey, solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn, who is representing the applicants, said the court had designated the case “a priority”.