RIPA policy

8.0   Covert Surveillance of Social Networking Sites

In certain circumstances, use of social media sites such as Facebook, or using the internet for research in other ways could need authorisation as directed surveillance or use of a covert human intelligence source. The Office of Surveillance Commissioners has given guidance on when the use of social media and the internet might need authorisation on RIPA. You can read the guidance at Appendix C.