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ACT Unit: pag1
ELIZABETH II
RA Proof 20.7.2000
c. 23
Regulation of Investigatory
Powers Act 2000
2000 CHAPTER 23
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.
[28th July 2000]
e it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with
the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and
Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the
authority of the same, as follows:—
B
Part I
Communications
Chapter I
Interception
Unlawful and authorised interception
1.—(1) It shall be an offence for a person intentionally and without Unlawful
lawful authority to intercept, at any place in the United Kingdom, any interception.
communication in the course of its transmission by means of—
(a) a public postal service; or
(b) a public telecommunication system.
(2) It shall be an offence for a person—