The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)

11 March 2004

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA)

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 9 February
2000 and completed its Parliamentary passage on 26 July. The Bill received Royal Assent on 28 July.

The RIPA provides for, and regulates the use of, a range of investigative powers, by a variety of
public authorities. It updates the law on the interception of communications to take account of
technological change such as the growth of the Internet. It also puts other intrusive
investigative techniques on a statutory footing for the very first time. It provides new powers to
help combat the threat posed by rising criminal use of strong encryption and it ensures that there
is independent judicial oversight of the powers in the Act.

The RIPA is consistent with the Human Rights Act 1998 and creates a system of safeguards,
reflecting the requirements of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It
contains 5 parts providing for powers in relation to specific investigative techniques or
establishing systems of scrutiny, oversight and redress.

Part I relates to the interception of communications and the acquisition and disclosure of
communications data. Part II relates to the use of covert surveillance, agents, informants and
undercover officers. Part III covers the investigation of electronic data protected by encryption.
Part IV provides for independent judicial oversight of the powers in the Act. Part V covers
miscellaneous and supplemental matters such as consequential amendments, repeals and
interpretation.

The RIPA can be viewed from http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000023.htm

Izaz Ali