Overview
- The Independent Examiner’s first annual report, released Thursday, warns of a multipronged threat that includes Islamist terrorism, lone actors, dissident republicans, hostile states, and extreme ideological groups.
- The report says current law cannot intercept messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Snapchat and provides no legal basis to access webpages or browsing history through interception.
- It recommends new legislation to allow lawful interception of modern digital communications and an expansion of postal interception powers to include private courier services.
- The review highlights additional tools such as IMSI catchers and phone eavesdropping devices, urging clear safeguards and oversight for any use.
- The examiner calls the 1993 interception law outdated, noting it still references telegrams, and flags concern that attacks could also be planned in Ireland for a neighboring jurisdiction.