Among other matters, the new law gives the police and intelligence services powers under certain circumstances to intercept e-mail and to demand keys to encrypted data.
There has been great concern over the intrusion on individuals’ privacy and the potential cost to businesses, particularly ISPs, in complying with the terms of the legislation. Much of this is due to the problem of interpreting ambiguous wording in the new law.
The Home Office told OUT-LAW.COM today that the full and final text of the Act will be available in one week’s time. At present, the Bill’s text, incorporating the House of Lords’ amendments to 13th July 2000, is available.
It is likely that certain provisions of the new law will be introduced later than others. The Secretary of State will determine the date or dates for bringing the new law into force.
An OUT-LAW article explaining the terms of the new law will be available soon.