As the row over government plans to extend the right for official
agencies to monitor e-mail and phone records goes on, the existing
right of tax authorities security services and police to tap such
communications has been confirmed. The move could lead to higher
telecoms bills for UK businesses.
Home secretary David Blunkett has shelved plans to allow local
councils, the NHS and others to have access to records of mobile
calls and e-mail traffic, but both the Commons and the Lords last
week authorised the continuation of existing powers to intercept
and read communications under the provisions of the controversial
Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act 2000.
They also gave legal status to a code of practice for the use of
the powers. Home Office parliamentary under-secretary of state Lord
Filkin, said, "The code supports the RIP Act by providing clear and
unambiguous guidance on the lawful interception of communications
in the UK."
The RIP Act takes account of the development of new technologies,
and Human Rights Act obligations.
The minister is still required to issue a warrant to businesses
authorising interception only for the purposes set out in the Act.
Warrants may be applied for only by the security and intelligence
services, the police, Customs & Excise officers or the chief of
defence intelligence.
"The code sets out the procedures to be followed by agencies when
applying for an interception warrant from the secretary of state,
as well as giving guidance to agencies and others on giving effect
to warrants and the disclosure, copying and retention of material
obtained through warranted interception," Filkin said.