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Responding to the Grand Chamber ECtHR judgment in Big Brother Watch & others v UK
31 March 2022
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the UK government's response to a European Court of Human Rights judgment concerning bulk interception and targeted acquisition of communications data under RIPA.
Action Requested
The Home Secretary outlines steps taken to rectify deficiencies identified in the regime, including reviewing operational purposes for bulk warrants, requiring prior internal authorisation for strong selectors linked to individuals, and seeking judicial authorisation when targeting journalists or acquiring journalistic material. These measures will be implemented through changes in primary legislation and codes of practice.
Key Facts
- The Grand Chamber ECtHR judgment was handed down on 25 May 2021.
- The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 introduced a list of 'Operational Purposes' provided to the Intelligence and Security Committee every three months.
- Strong selectors applied to identifiable individuals will require prior internal authorisation under Part 6, Chapter 1 of the IPA.
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