To what extent has the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 achieved an appropriate balance between the competing interests of privacy and intrusion?

Abstract

Investigating how recent Privacy and Intrusion laws have changed to affect individual’s rights around the areas of terrorism, data retention and the recent Investigatory Powers Act. Accompanying this, research into how participants perceive storing personal sensitive data and whether this should be held by a specific authority is considered.

This assessment on whether the public should have their information stored and investigated, with the aim to aid in the prevention/detection of serious crime and terrorism is needed. The necessity to find a balance between both privacy and intrusion is key in a society with expanding modern technologies. By analysing past legislation to show where the Government has misused its powers to find specific crimes will give an understanding on the next step to combatting threats against the nation, while also weighing in on how to combat the growing intrusion against ones privacy rights. The balance needed must ensure privacy, and the correct processes to ensure national security is upheld.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English