The Swedish government says it is proposing measures to soften an eavesdropping law after widespread public protests.

The proposed changes include requiring a court order for eavesdropping on international phone calls, e-mails and faxes.

They also specify that the National Defense Radio Establishment can eavesdrop only in cases of suspected “external military threats” rather than just suspected “external threats.”

The original law’s passage in June sparked a widespread public uproar, with critics calling it an encroachment on privacy.

The government’s decision Thursday has been backed by all 178 lawmakers in the government’s four-party center-right alliance. It is unclear when the full Parliament will vote on the changes.