Communications data
How communications data is used
Communications data encompasses the who, when and where of communication, but not the content.
A broad range of public authorities can lawfully access communication data – from the police through to the Department of Transport (DfT). Law enforcement agencies make roughly half a million requests for communications data annually.
However, RIPA strictly limits:
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the grounds on which different authorities can acquire communications data
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the type of data they each can access
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the level of seniority required to approve the acquisition
For example, the only agency within the DfT that can lawfully acquire communications data in an emergency is the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and even those acquisitions must be authorised by the area operations manager.
On the other hand, while circumstances for making use of communications data are limited, police and intelligence agencies investigating crimes have greater access than other agencies.
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Strict necessity tests must be passed before communications data can be obtained
Retaining data, and payment for costs
Communication Service work with the Government to retain communications data - costs for this can be recovered
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About the Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data Code of Practice
