Understanding Investigatory Power Act (IPA) and Data Protection Act (DPA) in communications data requests, 18 March 2026
IPA vs DPA - Understanding the Changes and Their Impact on Your Investigations
This workshop is designed to give investigators and analysts a clear understanding of how the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) applies to communications data requests - and why knowing this legislation is crucial.
You’ll learn how to navigate the process confidently, ensuring your requests meet the legal tests of necessity and proportionality while understanding what happens once those requests are submitted.
Recent amendments to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, introduced in 2023, have significantly changed how we obtain online account, payment, and location information - including data that was previously obtained under the Data Protection Act (DPA).
In this session, you’ll not only explore why these changes occurred but also how they reshape your investigative approach.
By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to determine for yourself what data falls under IPA versus DPA - a skill that will future-proof your understanding as legislation continues to evolve.
Outline of the day
Session One
The Foundations - IPA and Communications Data
Get to grips with Sections 60A and 61A of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. Learn exactly how communications data can be requested, what makes a request lawful, and how to get it authorised effectively.
Session Two
The Changes and Challenges - DPA to IPA and What It Means for You
Dive into the 2023 updates to the IPA and discover how they’ve redefined data requests. Understand which data types have shifted from DPA to IPA, why it matters, and how to confidently interpret future legislation to guide your own decision-making.
• Held online via Teams
• Certificates of CPD available.
Our speaker
Fenella Wheatley is an accredited communications data investigator who has worked for the Met Police and is currently working for the National Digital Exploitation Service (NDES) as a Band C CCTV Investigations Manager.
She has also delivered training courses to investigators and analysts in a number of law enforcement organisations.
She is the author of published work on Stop and Search Proportionality, Crime Mapping Analysis in Greater Manchester – Awarded Q-Step Award for Quantitative Analysis.
HOW TO BOOK
Cost: £199.50 + VAT (GBP) per delegate per workshop (LEA and Government Agency rate). £249.50 + VAT (Industry rate), per delegate
Group bookings: We offer various discounts for group bookings depending on numbers, please contact us for details.
Booking: Please send the delegates name(s), email address(es) and purchase order (made out to The Investigator) to booking@the-investigator.co.uk or telephone +44(0)844 660 8707 for further information.
Payment can be made by PayPal/debit/credit card. The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.