The organisation is clearly convinced that Western powers are targeting confidential lawyer-communications in its electronic surveillance as well as monitoring the general public. President Evangelos Tsouroulis said: 'Professional secrecy, also known as legal professional privilege in some countries, is a core value of the legal profession and a guarantee of trust for citizens relying on the services of a lawyer. We at the CCBE are deeply concerned that the weakening of this aspect of confidentiality will erode trust in the rule of law.'

It has released a statement on the issue. Mr Tsouroulis added: 'This disturbing situation cannot be allowed to continue as the European Parliament and Council of Ministers adopted this month a directive on the right of access to a lawyer. This right will remain moot unless effective confidentiality of communications between a client and his lawyer can be secured.'

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 22 October, Global Legal Post launches a report on big data in association with Recommind.