I have today laid before both Houses a copy of the annual report of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, the right hon. Sir Brian Leveson. This report covers the activities of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) and the Technology Advisory Panel for 2024.
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner provides independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers, as outlined in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. This oversight includes the inspection and authorisation by judicial commissioners of the use of these powers by over 600 public authorities. This includes the intelligence and security services and law enforcement agencies.
The report is positive about how investigatory powers have been used over this period in accordance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and other legislation. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner acknowledges that there continue to be good levels of compliance in respect of how investigatory powers are being used.
Where the Investigatory Powers Commissioner has identified concerns, our agencies and Departments are working with IPCO to address these. I thank them all for their hard work to protect the UK, at home and abroad.
Now in its seventh year since creation, IPCO continues to provide independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers, providing assurance to both the public and Parliament that privacy safeguards are applied. In March 2024, IPCO merged with its sister organisation, Office for Communications Data Authorisations, to become one organisation, while retaining the IPCO name. I wish to express my sincere thanks to Sir Brian, his team of judicial commissioners, and all the staff at IPCO, for their important work.
Maintaining public trust and confidence in the exercise of investigatory powers is vital for national security and public safety, and a top priority for this Government. This report demonstrates the high quality of oversight over our intelligence and security agencies’ use of the most intrusive powers. I am satisfied that our oversight arrangements are among the strongest and most effective in the world.
In accordance with section 234(6)(b) of the IPA, I wish to notify both Houses that the report contains no material considered too sensitive to be published. Following consultation with relevant Government Departments and agencies, the contents of this open report are not prejudicial to national security or ongoing investigations.
I will be sending a copy of this report to Scottish Ministers, as required under section 234(8) of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), and I commend this report to the House.
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