Recent media coverage, including an article in The Guardian, has raised questions about the legal and ethical landscape of private surveillance in the UK. While state surveillance is tightly regulated, the private investigation sector is not overseen by a single regulator or dedicated piece of legislation.

However, this does not mean the field lacks structure. As a leading investigations agency, Conflict International operates within a well-established legal framework and follows recognised industry standards. Along with other professional firms, we believe that ethical surveillance, carried out with purpose, care and accountability, plays an important role in today’s society.

Operating within the law

It is true that the UK does not have a dedicated law that applies solely to private investigators, nor a single regulatory body. However, this does not mean the industry operates without rules. Investigators are bound by the same laws as everyone else. Criminal offences such as phone hacking, trespass, unlawful entry or obtaining private information through deception apply equally to private investigators.

In addition, laws designed to protect individuals from harassment are highly relevant to surveillance. Any course of conduct that causes alarm or distress can be a criminal offence. Investigators must also comply with data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation. This requires that the collection of personal data has a clear legal basis, that it is stored securely, used proportionately and deleted when no longer necessary. Surveillance work is only lawful when carried out with legitimate purpose, care and respect for privacy.

Setting the standard through best practice

Where formal regulation has not yet caught up, the industry has taken responsibility to self-regulate. One of the most significant steps has been the development of the Association of British Investigators Code of Conduct. This was the first code of its kind in the sector to receive formal approval from the Information Commissioner’s Office, confirming that it meets high standards for lawful, responsible and ethical investigative work.

The ABI Code provides clear and practical guidance for both investigators and clients. It covers a range of areas including surveillance methods, data handling and client accountability. It aligns with privacy law and, importantly, is subject to independent oversight. Its development was supported by respected legal bodies, including the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and it represents meaningful progress towards a more unified and transparent professional standard.

At Conflict International, we are proud to operate in full compliance with the ABI Code. All of our investigators are ABI-accredited, and the principles of the code are fully integrated into our internal procedures. We believe that transparency, legal compliance and professional responsibility are essential to maintaining the trust of our clients and the wider public.

Public concern about private surveillance is understandable, which is why we’ve championed clear industry standards. By adhering to the ABI’s ICO-endorsed code and working closely with regulators and clients, we ensure our operations remain effective, lawful and respectful of privacy. Trust is built through transparency and accountability - Mike LaCorte, CEO, Conflict International

What responsible surveillance looks like

When carried out properly, private surveillance plays a vital role in society. It can help uncover fraud, support legal proceedings or protect individuals and assets. However, this type of work must be tightly controlled. Recent reports have highlighted unregulated actors using aggressive or invasive surveillance methods, sometimes without proper justification. These practices damage the reputation of the wider industry and reinforce the need for high standards.

This is why best practice must be a priority. Ethical surveillance is not just about following the law. It also means having a clear and justifiable reason for action, using proportionate methods, and maintaining full accountability throughout. At Conflict International, every case is assessed for legal and ethical suitability. Our surveillance is carefully planned, thoroughly documented and delivered with discretion and professionalism.

The private investigations sector continues to evolve, and standards are improving. Initiatives such as the ABI Code are helping to close regulatory gaps and promote a culture of accountability. We welcome these developments and support further steps to ensure those who do not operate professionally are removed from the industry.

Moving the industry forward

Private surveillance in the UK can be legal, necessary and responsible, but only when carried out by trained professionals who are committed to doing things properly. Agencies like ours will continue to uphold the highest standards and promote best practice, helping to build public confidence in a sector that plays a critical, if often discreet, role in society today.

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