Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
Act of Parliament
Long title
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An Act to make provision for and about the interception of communications, the acquisition and disclosure of data relating to communications, the carrying out of surveillance, the use of covert human intelligence sources and the acquisition of the means by which electronic data protected by encryption or passwords may be decrypted or accessed; to provide for Commissioners and a tribunal with functions and jurisdiction in relation to those matters, to entries on and interferences with property or with wireless telegraphy and to the carrying out of their functions by the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Headquarters; and for connected purposes.
Citation2000 c. 23
Dates
Royal assent28 July 2000
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (c. 23) (RIP or RIPA) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, regulating the powers of public bodies to carry out surveillance and investigation, and covering the interception of communications.[1] It was introduced by the Tony Blair Labour government ostensibly to take account of technological change such as the growth of the Internet and strong encryption.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 9 February 2000 and completed its Parliamentary passage on 26 July.

Following a public consultation and Parliamentary debate, Parliament approved new additions in December 2003, April 2005, July 2006 and February 2010.[2] A draft bill was put before Parliament during 4 November 2015.[3]

  1. ^ Roberts, Andrew (2006). "Court of Appeal Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000: Private Surveillance". Journal of Criminal Law. 70: 286–289. doi:10.1350/jcla.70.4.286. S2CID 147137468.
  2. ^ Statutory instruments Nos 3171 and 3172 of 2003, 1083 and 1084 of 2005, 1874 and 1878 of 2006 and 480 and 521 of 2010
  3. ^ "To MI5 with love". The Economist. 7 November 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2016.