Part 6: Bulk warrants Chapter 3: Bulk equipment interference warrants Section 176: Bulk equipment interference warrants: general
This section describes a bulk equipment interference warrant and sets out the two conditions that a warrant issued under this chapter must meet.
	The main purpose for which a bulk equipment interference warrant may be issued is limited to interference with equipment to obtain overseas-related communications, overseas-related information or overseas-related equipment data. This prevents a bulk equipment interference warrant being issued where the primary purpose is obtaining communications between individuals in the British Islands or the information of individuals in the British Islands.
	Subsection (2) defines "overseas-related communications" and "overseas-related information". Subsection (3) sets out when equipment data is "overseas-related".
	A bulk equipment interference warrant must authorise the obtaining of communications, equipment data and other information to which the warrant relates, and may also authorise the selection for examination of material obtained under the warrant. Subsection (5) sets out that a bulk equipment interference warrant also authorises additional conduct necessary to do what is required by the warrant.
	Subsection (6) provides that a bulk equipment interference warrant may not permit the acquisition of communications (other than stored communications) in circumstances where an interception warrant is required.
Example:
A bulk equipment interference warrant is sought. The primary objective of the warrant is to obtain the communications and other information of persons believed to be outside the UK, which are likely to be of national security interest and may be selected for examination subsequently. Due to the nature of internet-based communications and information, it is inevitable that some communications and information of persons in the UK will also be acquired. In order to examine the content of those communications or any private information a targeted examination warrant must be sought. This will need to be issued by the Secretary of State and approved by a Judicial Commissioner.