Interception
What is interception?
Interception means the interception of communication in the course of its transmission via a postal service or telecommunications system (such as a telephone or computer) 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 can only be authorised:
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in the interests of national security
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preventing or detecting serious crime
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safeguarding the economic well-being of the UK.
Roughly 2,000 intercept warrants are authorised a year (Source: the Interception of Communications Commissioner's report for 2007). Read the Interception code of practice
Explore this section:
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How interception can be used, who can use it and the review of intercept as evidence.
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Authorisation of warrants to intercept communications.
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Introductory information about the work of the board.
