Legal Use Of Keyloggers in The UK?

[LawCSStudent]

Hello there,

I am a Computer Science student and I am asking as a part of research for a project I am doing at college.

A) Are keyloggers in the UK legal, if a forensic computer investigator or some kind of law enforcement uses one to gather evidence against a suspected cybercriminal? Or is that a breach of a privacy law even if it is a cybercriminal? Or is law enforcement using one, for ethical purposes an exception? What piece of legislation states this is/isn't legal?

B) What are the legal uses of keyloggers in the UK and the legislation to back this up?

Thanks,

[Aged William]

Hello

Yes, the use of keyloggers is lawful in E&W by a limited number of law enforcement agencies, if their use is properly authorised and the product is properly managed.

Depending on the circumstances, and type of keylogger being used, the relevant legislation will be a combination of:

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
(use and conduct of covert surveillance)

Investigatory Powers Act 2016
(interception of communications)

Police Act 1997
(property interference / trespass)

Human Rights Act 1998 / ECHR
Article 6 (fair trial)
Article 8 (respect for private and family life)

Does your college have a law department which might be able to help you with this?

Good luck with your studies

[LawCSStudent]

Hello

Yes, the use of keyloggers is lawful in E&W by a limited number of law enforcement agencies, if their use is properly authorised and the product is properly managed.

Depending on the circumstances, and type of keylogger being used, the relevant legislation will be a combination of:

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
(use and conduct of covert surveillance)

Investigatory Powers Act 2016
(interception of communications)

Police Act 1997
(property interference / trespass)

Human Rights Act 1998 / ECHR
Article 6 (fair trial)
Article 8 (respect for private and family life)

Does your college have a law department which might be able to help you with this?

Good luck with your studies

Hi thanks

I study Law as well, but it's a summer project, and I doubt they'd reply to me over summer. Let's just say I'm more likely to get a reply on here, than I am there lol.