Part 2Lawful interception of communications

CHAPTER 2Other forms of lawful interception

Interception in accordance with overseas requests

52Interception in accordance with overseas requests

1

The interception of a communication in the course of its transmission by means of a telecommunication system is authorised by this section if conditions A to D are met.

2

Condition A is that the interception—

a

is carried out by or on behalf of a telecommunications operator, and

b

relates to the use of a telecommunications service provided by the telecommunications operator.

3

Condition B is that the interception is carried out in response to a request made in accordance with a relevant international agreement by the competent authorities of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.

In this subsection “relevant international agreement” means an international agreement to which the United Kingdom is a party and which is designated as a relevant international agreement by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

4

Condition C is that the interception is carried out for the purpose of obtaining information about the communications of an individual—

a

who is outside the United Kingdom, or

b

who each of the following persons believes is outside the United Kingdom—

i

the person making the request;

ii

the person carrying out the interception.

5

Condition D is that any further conditions specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section are met.