
![]() |
Brian Sims
Editor |
Investigatory powers commissioner appointed
06 March 2017
The Prime Minister has appointed Lord Justice Adrian Fulford as the first Investigatory Powers Commissioner, who will oversee new surveillance laws.

The role of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC) is to authorise and oversee the use of Investigatory Powers by public authorities as granted under section 227 of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.
The legislation came into force at the beginning of 2017 and it legitimizes security services’ rights to gather information on citizens without a warrant. The controversial bill, which has been labelled the ‘snooper charter’ by critics, offers new powers to intelligence agencies and the police, which include:
- Forcing internet and communications companies to retain users’ web browsing history for 12 months;
- Allowing intelligence agencies to bulk collect communications data and hack into suspects’ devices; and
- Grant judges the power to sign off warrants on intrusive surveillance
Lord Justice Fulford will take up the role as IPC with immediate effect on a three-year term. He qualified as a barrister in 1978 and took Silk in 1994. He was appointed a Recorder of the Crown Court in 1995 and was appointed as High Court Judge of the Queen’s Bench Division on 21 November 2002. He was subsequently appointed as a Lord Justice of Appeal on 10 May 2013. In addition to his role as IPC, he will remain a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Lord Justice Fulford as the first Investigatory Powers Commissioner. He brings a wealth of experience in the judiciary and expertise in matters of law, which will be crucial to his vital role scrutinising the use of investigatory powers, as part of a world-leading oversight regime.”
- Insurers warn that Building Regulations are not fit-for-purpose
- Surveillance Camera Commissioner issues guidance for police on use of Live Facial Recognition technology
- “Majority of Grenfell Tower recommendations completed by LFB” asserts Mayor of London
- Security director pleads guilty to supplying unlicensed security
- EWS-1 Form inclusion in standard fire risk assessments would “reduce market backlog”
- Regulator takes major step forward in “landmark moment” for building safety
- CFOA warns of flooding risks
- North Yorkshire PCC takes responsibility for Fire and Rescue Service
- Scottish Government decides to consult on external wall systems
- New lead expected for undercover inquiry
- Government unveils new Taser policy
- Bar doorman narrowly avoids jail for fake licence
- Information Commissioner makes key appointments
- Thick as thieves?
- Government focuses on drone threats to prisons
- Police boss apologizes for comments that outraged officers
- Major hazmat exercise conducted at Wembley
- Police force handed big fine for losing sensitive evidence
- New lead expected for undercover inquiry
- Hurd named minister for police and fire