RIPA specifically makes provision for:

 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;Access to electronic data protected by encryption or passwords;The appointment of Commissioners and the establishment of a tribunal with jurisdiction to oversee these issues.

Interception:

This covers the interception of communication in the course of its transmission via a postal service or telecommunications system such as telephone or email so as to make it available to a third party. The law permits interception of communications by law enforcement and intelligence agencies in tightly controlled circumstances.

Interception is authorised:
 In the interests of national security;In the interests of preventing or detecting serious crime; In the interests of safeguarding the economic well-being of the UK.

Roughly 1,800 intercept warrants are authorised a year (Report of the Independent Surveillance Commissioner for 2004). Intercepted material cannot be used as evidence in the UK. This policy is designed to protect close and effective co-operation between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Communications Data:

Communications data encompasses the who, when and where of communication, but not its content. A broad range of public authorities can lawfully access communication data – from the police through to the Department of Transport (DfT). Law enforcement agencies make roughly half a million requests for communications data annually.

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