Welcome to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal website
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is an independent judicial body. We provide the right of redress to anyone who believes they have been the victim of unlawful action by a public authority using covert investigative techniques. We also consider complaints about conduct by, or on behalf of, the UK intelligence services: the Security Service (also known as MI5), the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), or claims that allege those agencies have infringed human rights. We have UK-wide jurisdiction and there are no costs associated with making a complaint to the Tribunal.
Who we are
For information about the Tribunal, its Secretariat, how members are appointed and other details about who we are
What we do
For information about what the Tribunal does and frequently asked questions
Making a complaint
For everything you need to know about making your claim or complaint if:
you believe that your human rights and freedoms, established under the Human Rights Act have been infringed by any of the public authorities under our jurisdiction
Or
you believe you have been the victim of unlawful interference by public authorities using covert techniques
Latest news and judgments
12 December 2025
The Judgment in the case of (1) Mr Vincent Kearney (2) British Broadcasting Corporation V (1) Chief Constable Of The Police Service Of Northern Ireland (2) Chief Constable Of Durham Constabulary (3) Security Service (4) Government Communications Headquarters (5) Secretary Of State For Northern Ireland (6) Secretary Of State For The Home Department (7) Secretary Of State For The Foreign Commonwealth And Development Office (8) Commissioner Of Police Of The Metropolis was handed down today.
27 October 2025
The Judgment in the case of Al-Hawsawi and Al-Nashiri v Security Service, Secret Intelligence Service, Government Communications Headquarters and Ministry of Defence was handed down today.
15 October 2025
The Judgment in the case of AFG and Others v Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police was handed down today.
3 September 2025
The President of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, Lord Justice Singh, is stepping down on 31 October 2025, after seven years as President. HM The King has appointed his successor on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The new President will be the Rt Hon Lady Carmichael (Ailsa Carmichael), who has been a member of the Tribunal since 2019. Lady Carmichael was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Courts in Scotland in May 2016 and was elevated to the Inner House of the Court of Session in February 2025.
Lady Carmichael will take up post as President on 1 November 2025.
31 July 2025
The Judgment in the case of Complainant v Secret Intelligence Service was handed down today.