The Module so far has focused on the substantive aspects of the right to privacy and intelligence gathering methods. This section now turns to considering some of the procedural safeguards necessary to address at least some of the concerns identified during the substantive rights discussion, namely judicial and non-judicial oversight to ensure that appropriate checks and balances are in place. Such oversight and accountability mechanisms play a pivotal role in promoting adherence to the rule of law by States and should extend to intelligence gathering activities during both peacetime and in situations of armed conflict.