48Interception and disclosure of messagesU.K.
(1)A person commits an offence if, [F1without lawful authority] —
(a)he uses wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of a message (whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not) of which neither he nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient, or
(b)he discloses information as to the contents, sender or addressee of such a message.
(2)A person commits an offence under this section consisting in the disclosure of information only if the information disclosed by him is information that would not have come to his knowledge but for the use of wireless telegraphy apparatus by him or by another person.
(3)A person does not commit an offence under this section consisting in the disclosure of information if he discloses the information in the course of legal proceedings or for the purpose of a report of legal proceedings.
[F2(3A)A person does not commit an offence under this section consisting in any conduct if the conduct—
(a)constitutes an offence under section 3(1) of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (offence of unlawful interception), or
(b)would do so in the absence of any lawful authority (within the meaning of section 6 of that Act).]
(4)A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
F3(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 48(1) substituted (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 259(3), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(b) (with reg. 20)
F2S. 48(3A) inserted (27.6.2018) by Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 259(4), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(b) (with reg. 20)
F3S. 48(5) omitted (27.6.2018) by virtue of Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25), ss. 259(5), 272(1) (with Sch. 9 paras. 7, 8, 10); S.I. 2018/652, reg. 12(b) (with reg. 20)