IPCO

Engagements like this play a vital role in ensuring that the use of investigatory powers remains lawful, necessary, and proportionate - safeguarding the public while supporting the vital work of our intelligence community. [2/2]

This week, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, met with Blaise Metreweli, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Independent oversight of the UK's intelligence agencies is central to IPCO's mission. [1/2]

Good oversight is built on dialogue. Regular engagement with the public authorities we oversee is central to how we maintain standards, share good practice, and uphold accountability. [2/2]

Today, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC), Sir Brian Leveson, met James McEwen, appointed Chief Executive of @hmpps in October 2025, for an introductory discussion on the use of investigatory powers across the prison estate. [1/2]

This isn't box-ticking. It's a fundamental safeguard protecting individuals' rights and public confidence in these powers. IPCO's inspectors assess proportionality at every inspection. Getting it right matters, legally and operationally. [2/2]

When police forces, intelligence agencies, and other public authorities apply to use an investigatory power, proportionality is one of the key tests they must meet. It must be proportionate to the aim and no more intrusive than necessary. [1/2]

IPCO defines Communications Data (CD) as information about the “who”, “where”, “when” and “how” of a communication, not what was said or written. This includes electronic and postal communications, such as identifying senders and recipients. [2/2]

Between July and September 2025, IPCO’s Authorisations Team reviewed a total 88,749 applications for the acquisition of Communications Data (CD). [1/2]

We have three Inspectorate teams focusing on different areas of oversight. Each team is led by a Chief Inspector, and together they ensure that we adopt similar practices and apply consistent standards of scrutiny across all our oversight work. [2/2]

Below is a breakdown of our inspection statistics showing how we inspect the organisations we oversee. As part of our oversight, we have a statutory obligation to inspect the use of investigatory powers. [1/2]

Judicial Commissioners are serving or retired members of the senior judiciary, appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and senior judicial figures across the UK. [3/3]

Sir James will serve a three-year term from February 2026, joining the team of Judicial Commissioners who provide independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers. [2/3]

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sir James Goss as a Judicial Commissioner, supporting the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson. [1/3]

Last week, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, travelled to Germany to deliver the Kensington Security Series Lecture. In this video, he explains why he welcomed the chance to share the UK’s experience of balancing privacy and freedoms with public security.

Our winter quarterly update is now available. This edition includes a video message from Chief Executive Richard Thompson, recent engagements, our 2024 Annual Report, an Agent X update, and Q4 statistics. Read it here: news.comms.ipco.org.uk/pjh1/send/s-h4…

We look forward to continuing this important collaboration through 2026 and beyond. We also thank Daryl Burns and Karen Danesi for their valuable contributions to the Panel. Ian Georgeson Photography for the RSE's Women in Science in Scotland exhibition. [2/2]

We’re pleased to confirm Dame Muffy Calder has been reappointed as Chair of our Technology Advisory Panel for another two years. The Panel provides independent, expert advice on emerging technologies, helping ensure privacy safeguards remain central to our oversight work.[1/2]

The update is published on the IPCO website: bit.ly/4p2H7ea [2/2]

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, has today written to the Attorney General with an update on the investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X. [1/2]

Key findings from IPCO's 2024 Annual Report include: thematic review of undercover operative activity showing good compliance, IPCO’s access to FCDO documents and the development of an AI oversight framework. Learn more: bit.ly/49iEU9R