The BBC has drawn attention to the results of a Liberal Democrat Freedom of Information request revealing misuse of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa), which gives councils surveillance powers. Although designed to fight serious crime, officials have been using it to spy on suspected dog fouling, littering and other minor offences. The Liberal Democrats have urged the need for better regulation of the powers. The article itself provides more details on the FOI report, including a comment from Liberty’s Shami Chakrabarti.
Christina Zaba of No2ID will be speaking on this issue on BBC Wales at 4.30pm this afternoon.
