South Korea’s ruling Saenuri Party passed its anti-terrorism bill, which now allows the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to use wiretaps on potential “terrorist threats” which the agency selects.

The Saenuri Party has strongly advocated for the anti-terrorism bill since January, after President Park Geun-hye said the country needs such laws to protect the people against North Korean attacks.

But the bill has been a source of contention among lawmakers, as critics said its passage could result in severe violations of privacy.

“The anti-terrorism law included some toxic clauses violating people’s human rights,” said Kim Jong-in, chairman of the opposition Minjoo Party’s Emergency