NCJ Number
207691
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 73 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 16-23
Editor(s)
John E. Ott
Date Published
September 2004
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines personal privacy issues related to law enforcement in the United Kingdom and laws enacted governing the privacy of citizens as they relate to law enforcement activities.
Abstract
Invasions of privacy frequently occur. However, there remain many questions about potential abuses of personal privacy in the interest of security or law enforcement. While many countries face the same challenges connected with the issue of personal privacy, this article discusses the United Kingdom’s experiences in order to help other countries concerned with this issue. The United Kingdom has enacted laws to protect its citizens. Since 2000, the United Kingdom has been governed by the rights-based law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in which public authorities must not infringe on the rights of citizens without legitimate cause. Under the ECHR, the United Kingdom’s use of various identifiers, such as closed-circuit television, biometrics, and surveillance, and their impact upon privacy and the potential for abuse is discussed. Privacy issues also arise in regarding Internet use, marketing and media outlets, and personal data for intelligence purposes. Intended as a replacement to the ECHR, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act was enacted in October of 2000. The Act was also intended to update and satisfy the ECHR test of legality for police and investigatory agencies’ activities in the areas of covert surveillance, the management and handling of informants, and the decryption of electronic communications. However, more security will occur in the short-term through the response to September 11, granting police increased powers to ensure the safety of the communities against terrorists. The question remains will this increase in power cause the alienation of police from society. The future of privacy depends on the acknowledgement of these many unanswered questions. References