Four new Codes of Practice relating to the Regulation of Investigatory
Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) have recently come into force. RIPA regulates the
powers of public authorities such as the police, customs and excise and
the intelligence services to intercept communications, acquire data,
conduct surveillance and use human agents. The Codes may be produced as
evidence in civil or criminal proceedings if issues arise as to the
legality of the actions taken by authorities pursuant to RIPA.
Three of the Codes impose obligations on the authorities. They will
also be helpful to service providers in indicating the extent of the
authorities’ powers and the requirements and procedures for authorisation,
disclosure and copying of information. The Codes relate to interception of
communications, covert surveillance and covert human intelligence.
