Bulk Equipment Interference
Bulk equipment interference (IPA 2016 Chapter 3) includes methods involving interference with multiple computers and devices. This could include implanting software into devices for the purpose of data retrieval to locate potential targets of interest. Only the intelligence agencies have the power, under IPA 2016, to undertake equipment interference in bulk and it is reserved for activity with a foreign focus.
	Section 195 of Chapter 3 provided additional safeguards for journalistic material, requiring that the Investigatory Powers Commissioner be informed if material thought to contain confidential journalistic material or sources of journalistic material is retained, following examination, for a purpose other than its own destruction.
	This Act introduces prior independent authorisation to Section 195, the effect of which is to add an additional layer of scrutiny over the intelligence’s agencies’ handling of material which may contain confidential journalistic material or sources of journalistic material. It also brings journalistic safeguards into alignment with the bulk interception regime which is being amended via the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (Remedial) Order 2023 which was laid before Parliament on 18th October 2023 and signed into law on 15th April 2024