United Kingdom: Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities) Regulations enter into force

On 11 May 2026, the Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities) Regulations 2026 enter into force, amending the list of public authorities permitted to obtain communications data. The Secretary of State exercised powers under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 to modify Schedule 4, which defines the entities, other than local authorities, authorised to access communications data as specified under section 261(5) of the primary legislation. The regulation specifically removes ambulance services in England and Northern Ireland from the list of relevant public authorities, thereby revoking their legal powers to obtain communications data. This amendment updates the requirements for authorisations, including the statutory purposes, data types, and the seniority of officers capable of granting such authorisations within the revised framework.