Liberal Democrats Online: conference motion

LDO sponsored motion to Autumn 2000 Conference about "Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act"

Watch the debate on this motion online in streaming video.

Conference notes the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act has recently received Royal Assent.

Conference recognises that the Act contains some beneficial provisions, for example ensuring that interruption of communications, surveillance and use of human intelligence sources by police and law enforcement agencies are regulated to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.

However, Conference believes that some provisions of the Act represent a severe threat to individual freedom and civil liberties.

Conference believes that the main threats to individual freedom and civil liberties from this legislation include:

1. Any 'authorised person' can demand access to your private access key (encryption key), without needing a warrant or court order, and thus read all your private correspondence.
2. A general presumption of guilt unless a defendant can show their innocence, reversing a fundamental principle of the legal system.
3. Internet Service Providers are required to allow the authorities access in order to track all messages sent by all subscribers, again without need for warrant or court order.
4. The Home Secretary is empowered to authorise unlimited electronic snooping "in the interests of the economic well-being of the UK".
5. A potential prison term for anyone who complains publicly about a miscarriage of justice under this statute.

Also, Conference believes this legislation will have a detrimental effect on the economic prosperity of the UK, as businesses using electronic communications will re-locate to countries that will not tolerate this infringement of civil liberty, such as the Republic of Ireland.

Conference calls on all Liberal Democrats to campaign against the illiberal provisions of the RIP Act.

Watch the debate on this motion online in streaming video.