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UK Intelligence Chief Wants Help From Internet Companies

Andrew Parker, Director General of Britain's MI5, recently warned that technology is allowing terrorists to communicate out of reach of authorities. (MI5 Security Service/AP File Photo)
Andrew Parker, Director General of Britain's MI5, recently warned that technology is allowing terrorists to communicate out of reach of authorities. (MI5 Security Service/AP File Photo)

In a recent interview with the BBC, Andrew Parker, who heads MI5 — the British version of the CIA, warned that advances in technology are allowing terrorists to communicate “out of the reach of authorities.”

Because of that, he also said Internet companies have an ethical “responsibility” to alert agencies to potential threats. Not surprisingly, that has sparked a debate about privacy.

Here & Now‘s Robin Young speaks with the BBC’s security correspondent Gordon Corera about the debate.

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.

Guest

  • Gordon Corera, security correspondent for the BBC. He tweets @gordoncorera.

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