Part 3: Authorisations for obtaining communications data Section 63: Additional restrictions on grant of authorisations
This section provides that an authorisation for the acquisition of communications data can only be granted by an authorising officer who is independent of the operation in the context of which the data is sought.
	The requirement for independent authorisation does not apply in exceptional circumstances, including where there is an imminent threat to life or where it is simply not possible due to the size of the public authority. Such circumstances also include those where the investigation or operation concerned is one where there is an exceptional need, in the interests of national security, to keep knowledge of it to a minimum; and there is an opportunity to obtain information where the opportunity is rare, the time to act is short and the need to obtain the information is significant and in the interests of national security.