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Interception

What is interception?

Interception means the interception of communication in the course of its transmission via a postal service or telecommunications system (such as a telephone or computer) so as to make it available to a third party.

The law permits interception of communications by law enforcement and intelligence agencies in tightly controlled circumstances.

Interception can only be authorised:

  • in the interests of national security
  • preventing or detecting serious crime
  • safeguarding the economic well-being of the UK.

Roughly 2,000 intercept warrants are authorised a year (Source: the Interception of Communications Commissioner's report for 2007). Read the Interception code of practice

Explore this section:

  • Use of interception

    How interception can be used, who can use it and the review of intercept as evidence.

  • Warrantry

    Authorisation of warrants to intercept communications.

See also

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