United Kingdom: Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill was signed and entered into force

On 25 April 2024, the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill received the royal assent. Certain provisions take effect immediately, while others will be phased in through regulations set by the Secretary of State. The Bill modifies the bulk personal dataset regime, introducing provisions for the use of publicly available data by intelligence agencies, with requirements for judicial oversight and authorisation processes. It adjusts existing powers by updating data access rules, warrant procedures, and oversight mechanisms without introducing new investigatory capabilities. The amendments revise the framework for handling terrorism, serious crime, and state threats, while also specifying conditions for data retention, processing, and authorisation. The Act also introduces extended warrant durations, new obligations for telecommunications providers regarding technical changes, and updated procedures for handling legally privileged and journalist-related data.