Encryption
National Technical Assistance Centre (NTAC)
Information about the role of the NTAC.
The National Technical Assistance Centre (NTAC) provides technical support to public authorities, particularly law enforcement agencies and the intelligence services. It includes a facility for the complex processing of lawfully obtained protected electronic information.
NTAC is the leading national authority for all matters relating to the processing of protected information into an intelligible format and the disclosure of key material.
Consult early
All public authorities should consult with NTAC at the earliest opportunity when considering exercising the powers in Part III of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). (Contact us by email at ripaiii@ntac.gsi.gov.uk)
A public authority cannot serve any notice under Section 49 of RIPA or, when the authority considers it necessary, seek to obtain appropriate permission without the prior written approval of NTAC.
Public key
Such approval may be given in specific cases or it can be given to a public authority if NTAC assesses that the authority is competent to exercise the powers in Part III of RIPA.
All electronic approvals will be signed by a private key. A public key is required for authentication purposes. You can access the public key here.
Exercising power properly
In this way NTAC will support public authorities to ensure that the exercise of the powers in Part III of RIPA is undertaken appropriately, expertly and with the highest regard for compliance with the requirements and principles of RIPA and the Investigation of Protected Electronic Information code of practice.
Read the Code of Practice for the Investigation of Protected Electronic Information.
Note: The code of practice can be purchased from the Stationery Office (new window).
