RIPA codes of practice
Codes of practice and guidance for making an application under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000).
These help public authorities assess and understand whether and in what circumstances it is appropriate to use covert techniques.
The codes also provide guidance on what procedures need to be followed in each case. All RIPA codes must be approved and debated in both Houses of Parliament and published.
The codes
Guidance on the procedures that must be followed before interception of communications can take place.
Guidance on the procedures to be followed before acquiring or disclosing communications data.
Information and guidance for authorising covert surveillance and property interference.
The following code applies to authorising and using covert intelligence sources.
The following code provides guidance that should be followed when protected electronic information is decrypted.
Older versions of the codes
Two of these codes were updated in April 2010. Earlier versions of those two codes can be found on The National Archives website:
- Old code of practice for the use of covert surveillance
- Old code of practice for the use of covert human intelligence sources
Purchasing the codes
All the codes on this website can also be purchased from The Stationery Office.