Oversight of the UK-US Data Access Agreement

IPCO has today published an Advisory Notice outlining how its oversight of the UK-US Data Access Agreement (the Agreement) is carried out.

The Advisory Notice provides advice and information on the role of IPCO’s Judicial Commissioners under the Agreement. This activity is undertaken in accordance with The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and provides independent assurance of necessary and proportionate practice. IPCO’s Inspectorate also audits and inspects public authorities’ compliance with the Agreement.

The Agreement enables requests to be made for data held by telecommunications providers in each other’s jurisdictions, for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting serious crimes, including terrorism. More information on the Agreement can be found here.