2013 Annual Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner
2.6
The requirements of Part I Chapter I are supplemented in detail by a Code of
Practice “Interception of Communications” laid before both Houses of Parliament by the
Secretary of State and approved by a resolution of each House (sections 71(1), (4), (5)
and (9)).
Communications data
2.7
The structured procedure required by Part I Chapter II for the acquisition and
disclosure of communications data is different. Here essentially the statutory authority has
to be an authorisation granted or requirement made by a senior designated person (DP)
in the relevant public authority, who should normally be independent of the investigation
to which the application relates (sections 22(3), (4)).
2.8
The provisions of Part I Chapter II are supplemented by a detailed Code of Practice
“Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data” again laid before Parliament and
approved by resolution under section 71.
My main powers and duties
2.9
These are under section 57(2) and relate to RIPA 2000 Part I. They are to keep
under review;
•
•
•
the exercise and performance of the Secretary of State of the powers and
duties in sections 1 to 11, that is those relating to the granting and operation
of interception warrants;
the exercise and performance by the persons on whom they are conferred
or imposed of the powers and duties under Part I Chapter II, that is those
relating to the acquisition and disclosure of communications data; and
the adequacy of arrangements for safeguards relating to use that is made
of interception material under section 15, which also embraces additional
safeguards in section 16.
2.10 In short, I am required to audit the interception of the content of communications
and the acquisition and disclosure of communications data under RIPA 2000 Part I. I
am not involved with matters which are the responsibility of the Intelligence Services
Commissioner (The Rt Hon. Sir Mark Waller) or the Chief Surveillance Commissioner (The
Rt Hon. Sir Christopher Rose).
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