Publication of Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s 2024 Annual Report

Publication of Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s 2024 Annual Report  

The 2024 Annual Report by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, has been published.  

The Report details the use and oversight of investigatory powers by public authorities, including key issues such as:  

• The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024, which came into force in October, introducing new safeguards and oversight functions 

• A thematic review of relevant source (undercover operative) activity across the UK, which identified good levels of compliance 

• Continued concerns about outdated IT systems for managing intercept material 

• Efforts to address the increasing number of Priority 2 communications data applications 

• An issue involving access to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office assessments 

• Oversight of Artificial Intelligence in the context of investigatory powers 

Sir Brian Leveson, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, said: “The 2024 Annual Report marks a year of significant developments in our oversight of investigatory powers. The implementation of the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024 has strengthened the safeguards protecting citizens’ rights, while our inspections continue to show robust compliance standards across public authorities.  

“However, challenges remain. The growing volume of applications, coupled with constrained resources, remains a persistent concern – one I continue to highlight with the Home Office. At the same time, the complexity of these matters is intensifying, demanding greater technical expertise as we broaden our oversight of the evolving intersection between investigatory powers and artificial intelligence.   

“I remain confident that IPCO provides rigorous, independent scrutiny of covert investigatory powers, ensuring they are used lawfully and proportionately, protecting both our national security and individual human rights.”  

ENDS  

For media enquires please contact:  
Press Line: 0300 427 2730 | 07356 190877      

Email: IPCOpressoffice@ipco.org.uk     

Notes to editors:  

IPCO’s 2024 Annual Report is available at IPCO Annual Report of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner 2024

IPCO provides independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers by intelligence agencies, police forces and other public authorities. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, and his Judicial Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the use of investigatory powers by public authorities which include law enforcement, the intelligence agencies, prisons, local authorities and other government agencies (e.g. regulators). In total over 600 public authorities and institutions have investigatory powers. Further information about IPCO is here: www.ipco.org.uk