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Renzi moves to stop anti-terror snooping

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Renzi moves to stop anti-terror snooping
Matteo Renzi requested the snooping measure be removed from draft legislation. Matteo Renzi photo: Shutterstock"

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has blocked legislation which would have allowed anti-terrorism authorities to remotely access people's computers, Italian media reported on Thursday.

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Renzi requested a passage be removed from Italy’s draft anti-terrorism law, which is currently being crafted in Rome, Il Sole 24 Ore reported.

The measure would have authorized police to view people’s computers from afar, although the proposal raised privacy concerns.

Italy’s justice commission has now submitted a revised text to be voted upon by lawmakers.

Renzi called for new anti-terrorism measures in January, in the wake of a series of shootings in Paris which left 17 people dead.

READ MORE: Should Italy spy more after the Paris attack?

The proposals outlined so far include jail sentences of up to eight years for “foreign fights”, meaning those who leave Italy in to join terrorist cells.

The same prison time could also be applied to those who organize, finance or promote terrorist groups, Rai News said

Authorities also aim to crack down on people caught in possession of, or supplying, substances which can be used to make explosives.

Security forces could also be bolstered under new legislation, with the hiring of 150 police cadets. Three hundred officers could also be brought in this summer to bolster the military unit charged with controlling the Italian territory.

The Italian government is also casting its eye offshore, earmarking €40 million to support a “Safe Sea” operation to protect fishing boats and commercial ships from attack.

Last month, the Italian navy renewed calls for its 11,000 seamen to be allowed to carry weapons, following the deteriorating security situation across the Mediterranean in Libya.

READ MORE: Italian coastguard wants to carry weapons

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