About us

The Office for Communications Data Authorisations considers requests for communications data from law enforcement and public authorities.


The term ‘communications data’ means the who, where, when and how of a communication but not the content.

Legislation

The Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA) was established to perform functions set out in the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016. The IPA builds on, and supersedes parts of, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000. The IPA has granted law enforcement and public authorities updated powers to access communications data for legitimate purposes.

What the OCDA does

OCDA carries out the important function of safeguarding an individual’s right to privacy under the Human Rights Act 1998. It makes independent decisions on whether to grant or refuse communications data requests, ensuring that all requests are lawful, necessary and proportionate.

Governance

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner (currently Sir Brian Leveson) is the head of OCDA and delegates his powers to authorise communications data requests to OCDA Authorising Officers. He also leads the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO). IPCO was set up to provide independent oversight of the use of all investigatory powers by intelligence agencies, police forces and other public authorities.

Andrew Bailey is the Chief Executive Officer of OCDA.

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Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.