techUK responds to call for evidence on the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill
techUK has submitted a response to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee’s call for evidence on the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill. In this submission, techUK outlines our members’ concerns around the proposed changes to definition of a telecommunications operator and the notices regime, detailed in Part 4 of this Bill. We also set out proposed amendments to the Bill and the relevant regulations and codes of practice, that would address these concerns by introducing targeted safeguards:
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Removal of the Secretary of State's power to unilaterally extend the Notice Review Period, or include clear examples, on the face of the Bill, of what could be considered to be in scope;
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Introduction of time and geographical limits on the review of notices provisions;
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Introduction of double lock approval for Notifications Notices, to align with existing notices;
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Mitigations to address conflicts of law;
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Publication of the relevant regulations and codes of practice relating to the practical operation of a modified notices regime alongside existing regulation before the Bill is adopted so they can be scrutinised by Parliament alongside the Bill;
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Confirmation from the government that it will allow ample time for stakeholders to respond to any public consultations on secondary legislation relating to the operation of a modified notices regime as a whole.
Please click here to read our full submission document
Audre Verseckaite
Audre Verseckaite
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.