Open Rights Group: Donald Trump presidency is bad news for UK surveillance

Privacy group is worried new US president will abuse his national security powers

Privacy campaigners at the Open Rights Group (ORG) have warned that Donald Trump running the US National Security Agency (NSA), and therefore working closely with GCHQ, could spell trouble for UK surveillance.

The ORG, which regularly challenges GCHQ's actions, is worried that Trump will abuse his national security powers.

"The US election has massive implications for the British public as both countries' intelligence agencies are so closely integrated," said ORG executive director Jim Killock.

"The Snowden leaks showed us how GCHQ carries out work for the NSA and how the latter's operatives can access GCHQ surveillance programmes.

"The integration of the NSA and GCHQ puts into question the UK's ability to have proper oversight of the surveillance of its citizens.

"The UK is dependent on US technology and data to such an extent that it is unlikely that we could separate our intelligence capabilities even if we wanted to."

Killock added that the UK is likely to be the subservient partner in the 'special relationship'.

"Whilst the ‘special relationship' has always been perceived to be in the UK's interests, our politicians need to consider its implications in the age of bulk data collection and surveillance," he added.

The ORG has urged people to join the organisation and get more involved in the protection of their own rights.

The ORG isn't the only outfit to share its views over the newly-elected US president, with tech firms including Box, Apple and Facebook also having spoke out about Trump.