11. Phones and Cameras

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Mobile phones and tablets contain a lot of information about your personal life that you probably don’t want the police reading.

Police do not have powers to read through or look at images on your phone unless searching you under the Terrorism Act. The most effective way to prevent casual viewing is by using some form of pin lock.

For more information about security on your phone visit Privacy International’s site  or download their leaflet ‘Free To Protest: The protestor’s guide to police surveillance and how to avoid it’

Regardless of what power they are using, they can not demand that you delete any photos from a phone or digital camera.

After an arrest, the police can download information from your mobile phone into their computers. Most operating systems such as Android and iOS have the option of encrypting your device and messaging systems in order to protect your data.

Why the Terrorism Act?

A terrorist is defined as someone who uses, or intends to use violence or causes serious damage to property to influence government, or intimidates the public to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

It's broad definition has a controversial history of being used to attempt to silence protest, but following an outcry it is now rarely used to describe protesters.

Elsewhere

Planning an Action?

Know Your Rights

Been Arrested?

Action Against the Police