Covert Surveillance and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000

Safeguarding the Right to Privacy

When the Human Rights Act became operational in 2000 it introduced the right to a private life. it was also recognised that to protect national security, prevent crime and detect fraud, for instance, there needed to be a system whereby the police, intelligence services and other public authorities may infringe this right. The safeguards put in place came in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000.

Thanet Council comes under this scheme as we investigate such issues as benefit fraud, anti-social behaviour, environmental crime and planning issues. If this is covert surveillance that can gather, intentionally or not, private information then this is against the Human Rights Act 1998 unless authorised under RIPA.

For more information please visit the Home Office RIPA webpage.