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.

• Code of practice on the interception of communications

Guidance on the procedures to be followed before acquiring or disclosing communications data.

• Code of practice on the acquisition and disclosure of communications data

Information and guidance for authorising covert surveillance and property interference.

• Code of practice on covert surveillance and property interference

The following code applies to authorising and using covert intelligence sources.

• Code of practice on the use of covert human intelligence sources

The following code provides guidance that should be followed when protected electronic information is decrypted.

• Code of practice for the investigation of protected electronic information

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.