Policy Directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources policy

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2. Introduction

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 controls the use of covert investigative techniques by public authorities.  It provides for the application for and granting of authorisations for those techniques covered by the Act.

Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides a right to private and family life. This is not an absolute right; it may be infringed in certain circumstances. The RIPA is designed to provide a statutory regulatory framework, which will meet the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights.