NMA Calls For ‘Stringent Oversight’ Of Investigatory Powers Regime  

Stringent oversight must be applied to ensure that media protections are not bypassed by authorities using new investigatory powers to access communications data, the News Media Association has said.

In follow up to lobbying on the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, the NMA had meetings with the Home Office and commented on the proposed codes of practice and in particular the code governing access to communications data.

The NMA stressed the necessity for strong safeguards for journalists and their sources against the investigatory authorities’ unlawful and unjustified access to communications data.

The NMA also emphasised that effective oversight and monitoring were vital. The revised communications data code has now been published with the section on communications data relating to certain professions sets out substantive and procedural protections for journalists and sources.

It also sets out the exceptions to them, such as suspected criminal conspiracy between journalist and source. But it remains important that stringent oversight is applied to ensure that media protections are not bypassed, the NMA said.