Guidance

Communications data: code of practice

This code of practice relates to the exercise of functions conferred by virtue of part 3 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

From:
Home Office
Published
12 June 2018
Last updated
6 June 2025 鈥� See all updates

Documents

Communications data code of practice (accessible)

HTML

PDF, 1.05 MB, 127 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Annex B: communications data code of practice (accessible)

HTML

PDF, 89.7 KB, 1 page

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Section 2 of this code provides guidance on the procedures to be followed when acquisition of communications data takes place under the provisions in part 3 of the Investigatory Powers Act.

The previous section 3 of this code provided guidance on the procedures to be followed when communications data is retained under part 4 of the Investigatory Powers Act. This is now included in the notices code of practice.

Updates to this page

Published 12 June 2018
Last updated 6 June 2025 show all updates

  1. Code of practice updated as the draft laid before Parliament on 31 March 2025 is now in force. Annex B added.

  2. Removed "Additional guidance to the communications data codes of practice: definition of communications data".

  3. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content