Communication security

The British government has published new guidelines concerning the use of electronic surveillance and hacking by the security services.

The draft guidelines, called the Equipment Interference Code of Practice, were published by the Home Office to provide a legal basis for such activities in the UK.

The guidelines detail the conditions in which security officers can intercept “equipment producing electromagnetic, acoustic and other emissions” from computers, mobiles and other remote electronic devices.

According to the document, interference would be allowed to take place in accordance with the “statutory functions” of the intelligence services, referring to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

While little is reported on the conditions needed for intelligence officers to monitor communications technology, the document does highlight further authorization balances. Officers will now require further authorization from the Home Secretary before conducting remote surveillance.

New GCHQ rules: Spy guidelines published to regulate govt hacking