Ways to Defeat the Snooping Provisions in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill Country Watch: Britain7/26/2000; 3:04:41 PM 'The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Bill currently going through Parliament will introduce powers to allow a number of UK authorities to intercept Internet communications and to seize encryption keys used for the protection of such traffic and for the protection of stored computer data. Such powers are not limited in their application to those involved in criminal activities and this means that law abiding individuals and businesses may be subject to interception activities as well as demands to hand over their encryption keys. Although abuse of these powers may well be limited, there can be no doubt that this will sometimes occur and this means that honest computer and Internet users will bear increased risks to their privacy, safety and security once this legislation is enacted. 'This paper aims to show that the envisaged powers for interception and for the seizure of encryption keys are technically inept. It also aims to offer honest computer and Internet users advice on the practical steps they can take to maintain their privacy, safety and security in the presence of the oppressive powers introduced by this legislation.'To sum this paper's author's opinions of the new powers being granted to Britain's police in two words, "Why bother?"