Solicitors warned of Act's threat to legal privacy

Solicitors and their clients need 'effective safeguards against invasion of privacy' in the wake of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), the Law Society has warned.

RIPA came into force this week and Society President Michael Napier warned that the government 'must provide effective safeguards against invasion of privacy, especially when people seek legal advice'.

RIPA allows the interception of electronic communications by the security services, allowing authorities to compel the disclosure of keys (passwords) to encrypted communications on the grounds of national security, economic well-being and the prevention and detection of serious crime.

It has met opposition from the Internet industry, civil liberties groups and in the House of Lords.

Mr Napier said the relationship between solicitors and clients 'must continue to be protected by the doctrine of legal professional privilege' allowing a 'fundamental right to privacy'.

The Society said it is particularly concerned about the Act's implications for the disclosure of encrypted information, which may include legally privileged information.

It claimed that there are 'insufficient' checks and balances on the powers granted by the Act, and no provision has been made for the destruction of such information once it is obtained.

Rowland Byass