Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Monday, 26 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 January 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 February 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Right of Search: Computers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government plans to introduce legislation to require the police and security forces to obtain a warrant before remotely accessing web users' hard drives.

Answer: No. There is already legislation which governs this issue. Remote police interference with a computer would require authorisation under Part III of the Police Act 1997, from a chief constable. Any such authorisation must also be notified to a Commissioner from the independent Office of Surveillance Commissioners. The Intelligence and Security Agencies would require a warrant authorised by the Secretary of State under the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

Secondary information