GovWire

The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 provides a framework for the use of investigatory powers by the security and intelligence agencies, law enforcement and other public authorities. These powers cover:

• the interception of communications
• the retention and acquisition of communications data
• equipment interference for obtaining communications and other data
• the retention and examination of bulk personal datasets

During the passage of the Act the government made a commitment to carry out a review of the legislation five years after its enactment.

In order to satisfy this statutory requirement, under section 260 of the Act, the Home Office has conducted an internal review into the operation of the Act to ascertain whether it remains fit for purpose. The findings of this review have informed the Home Secretarys report into the operation of the Act.

To complement this process, the Home Secretary has appointed Lord Anderson to conduct a separate review into the Act to inform any potential legislative change.

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to: ipareviewteam@homeoffice.gov.uk