United Kingdom: Home Office closes consultation on code of practice for communications data

On 6 January 2025, the UK Home Office closed its consultation on a code of practice for communications data. The Code provides guidance on the acquisition, disclosure, and oversight of communications data by public authorities. The Code clarifies the legal framework, emphasising the necessity and proportionality of data acquisition. The Code also delineates the roles of authorising individuals and judicial commissioners, specifying additional protections for journalists, lawyers, parliamentarians, and other professionals handling sensitive information. Additionally, it introduces special rules for acquiring internet connection records and outlines the use of the request filter to limit collateral intrusion when analysing large datasets. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner is responsible for monitoring compliance, auditing, and reporting errors, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.