The bulk surveillance powers in the new Investigatory Powers Act are legally challenged by UK human rights NGO Liberty in the form of a judicial review. To fund the case, Liberty raised £52,000 through crowdfunding – over five times the £10,000 it had sought. Liberty is challenging the “bulk” surveillance powers that allow the government to monitor everyone’s web history and email, text and phone records, and hack computers, phones and tablets. After not receiving any response to a formal letter sent in December, Liberty has now applied to the High Court for permission to proceed.