Law Society provides evidence to investigatory powers review

In providing evidence to the investigatory powers review, the Law Society has called for a revision and clarification of the UK’s regulatory framework for investigatory powers.

The evidence focused on the following key points:

• need for greater clarity
• need for proportionality
• respect for privacy
• the changing nature of technology blurring the distinction between communications data and content
• need to safeguard legally privileged communications

The Law Society also recommends that the legislative framework that underpins surveillance in the UK is developed by a more independent public body than the Home Office.

Law Society president Andrew Caplen said:

‘We are grateful for the opportunity to provide evidence to the review of communications data and interception powers. We hope that this marks the beginning of a journey towards making clear the current complex and confusing legal framework, and the safeguarding of legally privileged communications.’