Proposed new powers to demand passwords for access to phone and other devices will apply to white collar crime investigators from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) and Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), as well as gardaí. The proposed powers would give investigators authority to require people to provide passwords for phones, computers and other devices to investigators carrying out a search warrant, without additional court sign-off. While the proposed Bill mainly deals with Garda matters, the Department of Justice confirmed that the new power to demand passwords for access to electronic devices will extend to white collar crime investigators from both the ODCE and CCPC. The ODCE has an extensive remit to investigate suspected corporate crime and white collar crime, often in conjunction with gardaí. In relation to the Garda power Bill, Ms Humphreys said its aim is to make the use of police powers clear, transparent and accessible.

Source: Irish Independent June 15, 2021 12:52 UTC