[TheGuardian] Government’s defence of surveillance unconvincing, says ex-watchdog

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In his first interview since standing down, Lincoln told the Guardian that such intrusive powers were necessary tools, but reforms were needed to the law and to the watchdogs overseeing surveillance systems. He said steps had to be taken to ensure public trust and that regulation could keep pace with new Big Brother technologies. […]

The investigatory powers tribunal, which adjudicates complaints, should also be part of a new single oversight commission, said Lincoln, who believes the terms of reference should be reexamined: « The terms of reference would benefit from a review given the opaqueness of the system. » […]

He said security chiefs need to be more willing to explain and engage with the public: « The approach of ‘why are you challenging us, we are the good guys’ doesn’t wash … The ‘looking for a needle in a haystack’ argument has so far been unconvincing. I haven’t been convinced. » […]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/18/government-surveillance-watchdog-loopholes