As part of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s statutory reporting responsibilities and commitment to transparency, we publish content on investigatory powers, their use and oversight.
We independently oversee the use of investigatory powers,
ensuring they are used in accordance with the law and in the public interest.
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Who we are
We are a team of around 50 people, supporting the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and the Judicial Commissioners.Read more -
What we do
We provide independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers, as outlined in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.Read more About IPCO -
Investigatory Powers
Certain organisations can use investigatory powers, such as surveillance or interception, to covertly gather information for investigative purposes.Read more
Publications
News
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Investigatory Powers Commissioner reports on UK use of covert powers
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, has published his Annual Report on the use of covert investigatory powers by public authorities. -
Judicial Commissioners reappointed
The Prime Minister has reappointed 11 of the original Judicial Commissioners for a further three-year term under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA).
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Oversight of UK and USA Data Access Agreement
New regulations have been introduced requiring the UK’s Investigatory Powers Commissioner to oversee the UK’s use of the UK-US Bilateral Data Access Agreement.
Office for Communications Data Authorisations
The Office for Communications Data Authorisations (more commonly known as OCDA) is IPCO’s sister organisation. Like IPCO, OCDA is an independent arm’s length body of the Home Office and overseen by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson.