But cyber-infiltration can also be achieved by malevolent individuals and groups, including terrorists. The literature now warns that not just digital televisions are attractive to the CIA (Report, 8 March) but smart meters, currently being rolled out to all households in the UK, may be infiltrated. Since the potential for intrusive surveillance increases rapidly, the need for energetic and effective oversight is clear, as MacAskill argues. It remains to be seen whether the IPA’s new Investigatory Powers Commission can do a better job than the various previous commissioners. Peter GillHonorary visiting fellow, University of Leicester• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian March 13, 2017 19:07 UTC