Legal issues arising from the interception of communications

Abstract

Interception of communications refers to the monitoring and collection of communications, such as phone calls, emails, and text messages, by an authorized entity, such as a government agency or law enforcement agency. The purpose of interception can vary, but it is often done for national security or law enforcement purposes, such as preventing terrorist attacks or investigating criminal Activity. Interception of communications can be carried out through various means, including wiretapping, the use of listening devices, and the interception of electronic communications. The interception of communications is often subject to strict legal frameworks and safeguards to ensure that it is carried out lawfully and in a manner that respects human rights, particularly the right to privacy. In many countries, the interception of communications requires a warrant or court order, and must be carried out in accordance with specific legal procedures. The legal framework for interception of communications can also include requirements for oversight and accountability, such as the appointment of an independent oversight body to monitor the use of interception powers. Therefore, this dissertation will be exploring how such interceptions are made in a lawful manner and will be highlighting the main procedure for such an interception. Foreign legislation is also examined in order to compare the different procedures and the manners in which these interceptions are made.