The Impact of the Investigatory Powers Bill on Web Chat Software

With the Investigatory Powers Bill having an effect on online communication including web chat software, we explain what this new bill is and how it can affect conversations over chat.

We are all aware of the US surveillance of websites and data however it could soon be changing for the UK, as the Government intends to extend the coverage of surveillance under the “Investigatory Powers Bill” within the next year. The Bill will track users’ movement across the web and social media, and strengthen the warranted powers of security services who will be able to intercept content of communications in bulk.

With the invalidation of Safe Harbor just a few months ago the EU are looking to modernise how we store and transmit data, meaning the UK are investing time into passing updated legislations and bills through Government.

According to The Home Office, the Investigatory Powers Bill will “better equip law enforcement and intelligence agencies to meet their key operational requirements, and address the gap in these agencies’ ability to build intelligence and evidence where subjects of interest, suspects and vulnerable people have communicated online.”

How Does the Bill Affect Web Chat Software in the UK?

Web chat software is an online communication which, with the new bill if passed, could mean that security services could build evidence / take action where they need to intervene. The bill could certainly benefit charities who communicate with vulnerable people especially through website chat solutions on a daily basis, allowing agencies like social service for example, to act where currently they are near to powerless.

What’s Click4Assistance doing about it?

Click4Assistance web chat software  is UK based, the company adheres to regulations set out by FCA for data storage, Data Protection Act 1988 and PCI Compliance by storing data only in centres in London which are conform to ISO 9001 and 27001 standards.

The website live chat software has been developed with security being a main focus, all chat communications through the solution are over https/SSL using 256bit SHA2 encryption and is the same level of encryption you would expect on any checkout page.

Click4Assistance prides itself in putting its’ clients and their customers’ data safety first, and will always strive to remain compliant, with our team constantly remaining up to date with any new legalisations or amendments to current laws.

For more information on the new bill and how it can affect communication through live chat solutions, or for further details on Click4Assistance security, please contact our account managers for free on 0845 123 5871 or email them at theteam@click4assistance.co.uk