Data Protection & Freedom of Information Office

The Regulation of the Investigatory Powers Act 2000

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (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, puts other intrusive investigative techniques on a statutory footing, provides new powers to help combat the threat posed by rising criminal use of strong encryption, and ensures that there is independent judicial oversight of the powers in the Act.

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 replaces the Interception of Communications Act 1985. A related statutory instrument called the Lawful Business Practices Regulations provides a framework under which communications over a private network can be monitored.

See the A to Z entry for additional information on the Human Rights Act.