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<p>Investigatory powers, including interception, communications data and surveillance,
are fundamental to investigating crime, safeguarding national security and protecting
the public. The use of these powers is subject to <br>stringent safeguards and is
primarily regulated by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. <br><br>The
Interception of Communications Commissioner provides robust, independent oversight
of the use of interception and communications data and provides reports to the Prime
Minister, which are published and laid in Parliament. <br>These reports includes statistics
on public authorities’ use of interception and communications data powers, and his
2013 report contained more statistics than ever before. <br><br>It would not be appropriate
to provide further details about the companies to which requests have been made, and
their responses to such requests, as this would damage national security and efforts
to fight serious crime.</p><p> </p>
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