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Communications data

How communications data is used

Communications data is material (such as subscriber and billing records) obtained from telecommunications service providers (such as telephone and Internet companies).

It is the ‘who, how, when and where’ of communication, but not the content.  It is used by intelligence and law enforcement agencies as well as a wider range of public authorities including some government departments, regulatory bodies and local authorities who require access to communications data in support of their statutory enforcement functions.

However, RIPA strictly limits:

  • the grounds on which different authorities can acquire communications data
  • the type of data they each can access and
  • the level of seniority required to approve the acquisition.

Figures from the latest Interception of Communications Commissioner’s report (new window) show that in 2008 public authorities made a total of 504,073 requests for communications data of which 1,553 were made by 123 local authorities.

Keeping up with changing technology

The communications revolution has been rapid in this country, and the way in which we collect communications data needs to change for law enforcement agencies to maintain their ability to prevent terrorism and gather evidence to help keep us safe.

The government set up the Interception Modernisation Programme (IMP) to look at how we can continue to use this important data to protect the public in the future, as internet-based communications technology becomes increasingly popular.

No solution has been agreed but there are no plans for an ‘enormous’ database containing the content of your emails and texts, or the conversations you have on the phone. This is a complex and extremely sensitive subject, with a fine balance to be struck between protecting public safety and civil liberties.

The Home Office launched a consultation on communications data in late April 2009 to examine how we maintain our ability to access this vital data. The consultation is now closed.

The Home Office received large numbers of responses and aims to publish a summary document addressing some of the concerns that were raised later on in the summer 2009.

Thank you to all those who sent in a response.

A Home Office factsheet on communications data is also available for download.

Explore this section:

  • Code of Practice

    Information about the Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data Code of Practice.

Home Office websites