United Kingdom: Home Office opened consultation on the Code of practice for bulk acquisitions of communications data

On 8 October 2024, the UK Home Office initiated a consultation on a Code of Practice for Bulk Acquisitions of Communications Data, designed to guide the intelligence services' collection, storage, and examination of communications data, until 6 January 2025. The Code outlines the process for obtaining bulk acquisition warrants, which are subject to authorisation by the Secretary of State and approval by a Judicial Commissioner. The Code emphasises safeguards, requiring strict procedures for record-keeping, oversight, personnel security, and data destruction to minimise privacy intrusions. Special protections are provided for journalists, legal professionals, and members of parliament, particularly regarding the identification of confidential sources. Additionally, the Code establishes reporting and compliance mechanisms, with the Investigatory Powers Commissioner overseeing errors, audits, and adherence to human rights obligations.