France debates new total surveillance law

From the New York Times:

The intelligence services could analyze vast quantities of digital data pertaining to a large swath of French society.
Some of the provisions:
▪ The authorities could install recording and filming devices in people's homes or cars or private space. They could also bug their computers, cell phones and other digital devices.
▪ Associates of people under surveillance could also have their communications monitored, regardless of whether they are implicated in potentially illegal acts.
▪ The right of surveillance would also apply to people in France communicating with someone outside the country.



Frankly, I don't know why they are bothering. ALL of the above has been happening in France for well over a decade.

I can only guess that they are preparing for the inevitable instances where they will be exposed, and want to have legal cover instead of a new Hollande scandal when it hits page one of Le Monde.