Fergie's Tech Blog

UK Home Office: Encryption Laws to Come Into Force Soon

Fiona Raisbeck writes on SC Magazine Online:

The section of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) that deals with the release of software encryption keys could come into force soon, according to the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith.

Part III of RIPA 2000 is aimed at fighting terrorism and organised crime by giving the police new powers to decrypt files for use as evidence and force the release of encryption keys. Although the power was included in the legislation five years ago, it has not come into effect yet.

Speaking in a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons yesterday, Smith said that the Government was in the process of reviewing the law and would make a decision shortly.

posted by Fergie @ 7/10/2007 10:30:00 AM