The ISC report called for greater transparency surrounding the use of section 7 authorisations and said their “scope and purpose should be addressed in the consolidated guidance”. Reprieve alleges that the section 7 authorisations are “the modern equivalent of the torture warrants [for interrogation] issued by the privy council” in the 16th and 17th centuries. The ISC concluded that the ministers’ “contrasting views clearly illustrate the dangerous ambiguities in the guidance”. These section 7 authorisations are being used like modern-day torture warrants. Consideration will also be given to the separate calls for another judge-led inquiry.”Sir Adrian Fulford, the investigatory powers commissioner, is examining the consolidated guidance in the light of the ISC report.

Source: The Guardian September 06, 2018 13:18 UTC