RIPA

RIPA is an acronym that can refer to several distinct entities and pieces of legislation. The most widely known is the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), a UK law that governs the powers of public authorities to intercept communications, to acquire communications data, and to conduct covert surveillance. The act provides a regime of warrants and authorizations, supervisory oversight, and privacy safeguards designed to balance national security and policing with individuals' rights. It established procedures for public authorities and service providers requiring interception and access to data to be justified, authorized, and subject to review. RIPA has been supplemented and partially superseded by later legislation, most notably the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, which expanded and streamlined powers and created new oversight bodies such as the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office.

RIPA has also stood for the Royal Institute of Public Administration, a British professional association that operated in the 20th century to promote public administration and policy. It contributed to discussions on public service reform and professional standards during its active years.