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.
Learn more about how IPCO and OCDA work together and how their relationship with Government operates by reading the IPCO-OCDA Framework Agreement.
What is OCDA?
OCDA was formed in 2018 as a result of the Data Retention and Acquisition Regulations 2018 (which amended the Investigatory Powers Act in order to achieve compliance with EU law). OCDA has been in operation since March 2019. It is a separate organisation from IPCO but the Investigatory Powers Commissioner is responsible for the discharge of the functions of both organisations.
OCDA employs approximately 100 members of staff and operates out of two offices, in Manchester and Birmingham, from 7am to 10pm seven days a week.
OCDA’s interim Chief Executive is Amanda Jeffery.
What does OCDA do?
OCDA is responsible for considering nearly all communications data applications made by public authorities in the UK on behalf of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner.
OCDA’s mission is to protect the public using two strands of work:
- protect the human rights of individuals from unjustifiable intrusions by the State, in their capacity as an independent body authorising access to communications data when it is lawful, necessary and proportionate; and
- independently assess, in a professional and efficient manner, the lawful acquisition of communications data by a public authority in order to meet its function of protecting the public.