Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25)

Part 5 U.K.Equipment interference

(1)In this Part—

“communication” includes—
(a)
anything comprising speech, music, sounds, visual images or data of any description, and
(b)
signals serving either for the impartation of anything between persons, between a person and a thing or between things or for the actuation or control of any apparatus;
“equipment” means equipment producing electromagnetic, acoustic or other emissions or any device capable of being used in connection with such equipment;
“equipment data” has the meaning given by section 100;
“private information” includes information relating to a person's private or family life;
“protected material”, in relation to a targeted examination warrant, has the meaning given by section 99(9);
“senior official” means—
(a)
in the case of a targeted equipment interference warrant which is or may be issued by the Secretary of State or a law enforcement chief, or in the case of a targeted examination warrant which is or may be issued by the Secretary of State, a member of the Senior Civil Service or a member of the Senior Management Structure of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service;
(b)
in the case of a targeted equipment interference warrant or a targeted examination warrant which is or may be issued by the Scottish Ministers, a member of the staff of the Scottish Administration who is a member of the Senior Civil Service;
“targeted examination warrant” has the meaning given by section 99(9).

(2)See also—

Commencement Information