Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act

Citation
Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act (UK)

Overview
The Act authorises confiscation and freezing orders, greater disclosure of information by public authorities to law enforcement authorities in the U.K. and abroad and the retention of communications data for use in criminal investigations. It also proposes significant extensions of police powers allowing police to search, fingerprint or photograph detainees without their consent, solely in order to establish their identity.

The Act also provided for detention without trial in the case of non-U.K. nationals who are suspected of involvement in international terrorism. The provisions are similar to those enacted in the U.S. following the September attacks.

Some concern has been expressed that these provisions contravene Britain’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. Civil liberties organizations have also warned against the danger of human rights violations occurring as a result of information transmitted by Europol to third states.