UK government gives GCHQ 'hacking' immunity

[kat]

UK government quietly rewrites hacking laws to give GCHQ immunity - the updates don't actually grant "immunity" per se (although it may be 'de facto' immunity), rather they allow Government actors to carry out actions that might otherwise be considered contentious without fear of prosecution ONLY if the original order to perform such was lawful and required. It's the same kind of language that grants "immunity" to Government officials and LEO's from being prosecuted if they "lie" (in the broadest sense of the word) under Oath or in performance of their duties (they can still be prosecuted but it would first need to be established if their actions were outside their remit).

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/9/section/44