IP Address Suspension Legislation Proposed in UK

February 27, 2024

The UK government wants to introduce an IP address suspension order.

The order, part of the draft Crime and Policing Bill, is designed to combat serious crime by requiring networks to stop passing data to and from those addresses. They could only run up to a year and be granted if the address is used for serious crime.

They could only be granted if doing so is, “necessary and proportionate.”

If passed as drafted, these orders would be an extra tool for police to use. The notes published alongside the bill state that the current voluntary arrangements will “continue to be the first port of call.” But these only work inside of the UK.

This law will allow for court orders that can be enforced internationally through Mutual Legal Assistance treaties. These can be slow but should be effective in Europe and other parts of the world as the bill starts with a statement that it is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Other governments have not had time to respond since its first reading on 25 February. Its second reading is scheduled for 10 March.