Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25) – Section 6 – Definition of “lawful authority” in relation to interceptions
Sections
Section 6Definition of “lawful authority” [F1in relation to interceptions]
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person has lawful authority to carry out an interception if, and only if—
- (a)
- (b)the interception is authorised by any of sections 44 to 52, or
- (c)in the case of a communication stored in or by a telecommunication system, the interception—
- (i)
- (ii)is in the exercise of any statutory power that is exercised for the purpose of obtaining information or taking possession of any document or other property, or
- (iii)is carried out in accordance with a court order made for that purpose.
(2) Conduct which has lawful authority for the purposes of this Act by virtue of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is to be treated as lawful for all other purposes.
(3) Any other conduct which—
- (a)
- (b)is authorised by any of sections 44 to 52,
is to be treated as lawful for all purposes.
Amended text
This Section is shown as amended by Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024 (see the annotations below), as incorporated in the text in force on 7 October 2026 as published on legislation.gov.uk.
Annotations
Textual Amendments
- F1 Words in s. 6 heading inserted (14.10.2024) by Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024 (c. 9), ss. 12(4), 32(2); S.I. 2024/1021, reg. 2(l)
Commencement Information
- I1 S. 6 in force at 31.5.2018 by S.I. 2018/652, reg. 2(d) (with regs. 19(3)(a), 20)
https://ipa.digiphile.law/article/article-6.html
Text as at 7 October 2026.
This is an unofficial convenience version of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. It is presented “as is” without guarantee of accuracy, completeness or reliability. See the source text for the official version. This site was last updated in October 2026.