Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 5.1.5
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)
RIPA attempts to regulate the use of surveillance methods and the interception of communications data by public bodies.
RIPA
- The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) was introduced in 2000.
- RIPA came about as a result of increased internet use and the sophistication of encryption techniques.
- RIPA was passed to ensure certain organisations are allowed access to communicated data.
Contents of the act
- The Act allows certain public bodies, such as government and crime agencies to:
- Monitor the internet use of individuals.
- Demand that internet users reveal encryption keys.
- Require an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide access to a customer’s internet communications.
- Require ISPs to fit surveillance equipment.
Methods of interception
- RIPA also prevents the use of intercepted information from being revealed in court, in order to protect the methods of interception used by these bodies.
Test yourself on Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)
What does RIPA stand for?
What does RIPA do?