United Kingdom: Home Office closes consultation on Notices Regime Code of Practice

On 6 January 2025, the UK Home Office closed its consultation on the Notices Regime Code of Practice. The Code outlines the legal framework and operational procedures for issuing and complying with various types of notices under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. The Code defines data retention notices, requiring telecom and postal operators to retain specific communications data. It focuses on technical capability notices, mandating operators to maintain lawful interception and data access capabilities. It provides that retained data is primarily for disclosure under the Act but may also be shared in emergencies, subject access requests, or suspected criminal cases. It also establishes compliance obligations, safeguards, investigatory powers commissioner oversight, and a review process for challenging or modifying notices.