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ARTICLE · 13 DECEMBER 2016

Investigatory Powers Act Becomes UK Law

Morgan Lewis
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The IPA was introduced in response to recommendations that David Anderson QC made, in his capacity as the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation...

United KingdomPrivacy
Pulina Whitaker
Pulina Whitaker
Matthew Howse
Matthew Howse

The new law gives UK intelligence and law enforcement bodies sweeping surveillance powers.

The IPA was introduced in response to recommendations that David Anderson QC made, in his capacity as the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, to conduct a review of existing laws relating to regulatory powers. The UK government contends that the new legislation is needed to respond to evolving threats within a changing communications environment, especially regarding cybersecurity and terrorist threats.

In broad terms, the IPA permits intelligence and law enforcement bodies to require internet service providers to collect, retain, and disclose broad categories of communications data in certain circumstances.

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