MI5 boss: We NEED to break securo-tech, get 'assistance' from data-slurp firms

Only brief reference to Charlie Hebdo in pre-planned speech

Apple and Google security improvements

Senior figures in intel agencies and policing have complained about Apple and Google's improved security technologies over recent months. Parker touched on this theme without directly criticising technology companies.

We need the capability to shine a light into the activities of the worst individuals who pose the gravest threats. They use the same communications tools as the rest of us. But technological and market changes risk closing off areas where we need to be able to operate.  The dark places from where those who wish us harm can plot and plan are increasing.  We need to be able to access communications and obtain relevant data on those people when we have good reason to do so.

Parker suggested that MI5's capabilities need to be improved without directly calling for more manpower or powers. The security service works with SIS (MI6), GCHQ and the police in fighting terrorism.

We increasingly face a world in which those who pose a serious threat may be able to operate beyond our reach. There is a legitimate desire for privacy of ordinary citizens, which I share and support. But we must beware of the opportunities that are created for those who mean us serious harm. If we are to do our job, MI5 will continue to need to be able to penetrate their communications as we have always done. That means having the right tools, legal powers and the assistance of companies which hold relevant data. Currently this picture is patchy.

MI5 has no desire to seek sweeping powers for their own sake or loosen our long-held commitment to necessity and proportionality. You should not imagine that MI5 is always arguing for new powers or more tools – sometimes we’ve advised that further powers are not necessary. 

The spy chief referred to upcoming revisions of surveillance legislation which he argued are necessary to plug a spying gap.

My sharpest concern as Director General of MI5 is the growing gap between the increasingly challenging threat and the decreasing availability of capabilities to address it. It is that gap that led Government to bring forward fast-track legislation twice last year. And, not least because of the sunset clause in the recent DRIPA legislation, it is that gap which Government, Parliament and society will need to consider again in 2015 and 2016: what are the right intrusive powers, at what scale, and under what oversight, to ensure sufficient security against the threats we face.

Parker's speech is likely to be closely scrutinised by privacy advocates. In particular, the relevance of surveillance in foiling the plots he cites is likely to be be put under the microscope. Long term privacy-watchers such as Spy blog have already expressed skepticism about MI5's "enduring commitment to necessity and proportionality". ®