5.The second element of the Act puts beyond doubt that the interception and communications data provisions in RIPA have extra-territorial effect. Interception provides, under strict conditions and for a limited number of public authorities, access to the content of a communication. This Act does not alter the existing safeguards which regulate interception. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will continue to require an interception warrant signed by the Secretary of State. The Act also clarifies the economic well-being purpose for obtaining communications data or issuing an interception warrant under RIPA, and the definition of a “telecommunications service”. This is to ensure interception warrants can only be issued and communications data can only be obtained on the grounds of economic well-being when specifically related to national security. Clarifying the definition of “telecommunications service” ensures internet-based services, such as webmail, are included in the definition.
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