112
Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25)
Part 5 — Equipment interference
(d)
(3)
135
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
5 years or to a fine, or to both.
In proceedings against any person for an offence under this section in respect
of any disclosure, it is a defence for the person to show that the person could
not reasonably have been expected, after first becoming aware of the matter
disclosed, to take steps to prevent the disclosure.
Part 5: interpretation
(1)
In this Part—
“communication” includes—
(a) anything comprising speech, music, sounds, visual images or
data of any description, and
(b) signals serving either for the impartation of anything between
persons, between a person and a thing or between things or for
the actuation or control of any apparatus;
“equipment” means equipment producing electromagnetic, acoustic or
other emissions or any device capable of being used in connection with
such equipment;
“equipment data” has the meaning given by section 100;
“private information” includes information relating to a person’s private
or family life;
“protected material”, in relation to a targeted examination warrant, has
the meaning given by section 99(9);
“senior official” means—
(a) in the case of a targeted equipment interference warrant which
is or may be issued by the Secretary of State or a law
enforcement chief, or in the case of a targeted examination
warrant which is or may be issued by the Secretary of State, a
member of the Senior Civil Service or a member of the Senior
Management Structure of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service;
(b) in the case of a targeted equipment interference warrant or a
targeted examination warrant which is or may be issued by the
Scottish Ministers, a member of the staff of the Scottish
Administration who is a member of the Senior Civil Service;
“targeted examination warrant” has the meaning given by section 99(9).
(2)
See also—
section 261 (telecommunications definitions),
section 263 (general definitions),
section 264 (general definitions: “journalistic material” etc.),
section 265 (index of defined expressions).