Tempora

Tempora is the codename for a British signals intelligence program operated by the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). It was made public in 2013 by The Guardian, which described it as bulk interception of communications data from the United Kingdom’s and international telecommunications fiber-optic networks. The program forms part of the UK’s national intelligence collection and is often discussed alongside US–led programs in the Five Eyes alliance.

Tempora relies on upstream collection points on transnational fiber-optic cables. Through cooperation with telecommunications providers, data flowing through these cables is routed to GCHQ data centers for processing. The collected material can include metadata such as call times and recipients, and, in some cases, the content of communications. The exact scope and retention policies are subject to classification, but tasks include identifying targets, mapping networks, and supporting other intelligence operations. Data collected may be shared with partner agencies under legal authority and internal safeguards.

Oversight and legal framework: Tempora operates under UK surveillance law, notably the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and subsequent legislation. Public accountability comes from parliamentary oversight by the Intelligence and Security Committee, judicial review, and internal controls, though much of the program remains classified.

Impact and debate: The revelation of Tempora sparked debates about privacy, civil liberties, and the balance between security and individual rights. Proponents argue that bulk data collection enhances national security and counterterrorism, while critics call for greater transparency and stronger safeguards.