The MPs expressed alarm over the new powers in the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, If passed, the bill would require banks and building societies to proactively share information about account holders with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
A group of UK MPs has tabled a parliamentary motion urging the government to remove certain powers from a new bill, claiming it would lead to the mass surveillance of tens of millions of people’s bank accounts. The motion, titled “Government surveillance of bank accounts,” has been sponsored by six Labour MPs and signed by 23 members from various parties.
The MPs expressed alarm over the new powers in the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill. If passed, the bill would require banks and building societies to proactively share information about account holders with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Currently, the DWP can only access account data for individuals already suspected of fraud.
The motion states that the new powers would “force banks to spy on the 23 million individuals in the welfare system,” including disabled people, caregivers, jobseekers, and pensioners. It also raises concerns about the privacy of those related to welfare recipients, such as partners, parents, landlords, and other associates.
The MPs warn that the proposed system would use AI to monitor accounts and flag suspicious activity, potentially leading to wrongful prosecutions and financial ruin. They reference the “Post Office Horizon-style scandal” as an example of the possible consequences, where innocent people faced severe repercussions due to flawed technology.
The motion highlights that the government already has significant powers to review the bank statements of fraud suspects under existing laws. Therefore, the MPs are calling for the removal of these new powers from the bill.
