About RIPA
About the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) puts a regulatory framework around a range of investigatory powers.
This is done to ensure the powers are used lawfully and in a way that is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. It also requires, in particular, those authorising the use of covert techniques to give proper consideration to whether their use is necessary and proportionate.
RIPA regulates the following areas:
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The interception of communications (for instance, the content of telephone calls, e-mails or postal letters)
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The acquisition and disclosure of communications data (information from communications service providers relating to communications)
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The carrying out of covert surveillance
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in private premises or vehicles (‘intrusive surveillance’) or
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in public places but likely to obtain private information about a particular person (‘directed surveillance’)
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The use of covert human intelligence sources (such as informants or undercover officers)
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Access to electronic data protected by encryption or passwords.
RIPA provides a number of important safeguards:
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It strictly limits the people who can lawfully use covert techniques, the purposes for and conditions in which they can be used and how the material obtained must be handled
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It reserves the more intrusive techniques for intelligence and law enforcement agencies acting against only the most serious crimes, including in the interests of national security
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It provides for the appointment of independent oversight Commissioners and the establishment of an independent tribunal to hear complaints from individuals who believe the techniques have been used inappropriately.
Explore this section:
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Keep track of the latest developments affecting the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.
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Current and completed RIPA consultations.
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Information for practitioners about using RIPA forms.
Misconceptions about RIPA and its use
Your questions answered.
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Information on using communications data appropriately.
