Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is GCHQ?

What do we do?

Who benefits?

Why do we do it?

Who are we?

Are we accountable?

What is GCHQ?

Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is an intelligence and security organisation. A Civil Service Department, we report to the Foreign Secretary and work closely with the UK's other intelligence agencies (commonly known as MI5 and MI6). Our primary customers are the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and law enforcement authorities, but we also serve a wide range of other Government Departments.

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What do we do?

GCHQ has two missions: signals intelligence (Sigint) and Information Assurance.

Our Sigint work protects the vital interests of the nation: we provide information to support Government decision making in the fields of national security, military operations and law enforcement. The intelligence we provide is at the heart of the struggle against terrorism and also contributes to the prevention of serious crime.

Information Assurance helps keep Government communication and information systems safe from hackers and other threats. We also help those responsible for the UK's critical national infrastructure (power, water, communications etc.) keep their networks safe from interference and disruption.

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Who benefits?

The work done by GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 benefits everyone who is interested in ensuring that democracy and the rule of law should prevail. Our intelligence directly supports UK Government policies but also extends our role within NATO and Europe, working for common defence purposes.

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Why do we do it?

	Secret intelligence gives the Government a vital edge in tackling some of the most difficult problems we face ... intelligence forewarns us of threats to our national security; helps the Government promote international stability; provides support and protection to our forces; contributes to our economic health and strengthens our efforts against terrorism and serious crime.
- Tony Blair, former Prime Minister

	Information systems are at the heart of modern society - and trust in them is essential. CESG's work is key to ensuring that online government is safe and reliable.
- Andrew Pinder, former e-Envoy, Cabinet Office

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Who are we?

GCHQ is a forward looking and truly diverse organisation. Most of our people have specialist skills - in mathematics, languages, analysis, IT and communications engineering - and they operate at the cutting edge of their professions. We help them develop and work flexibly - in ways that suit them - so that they can give their best. But while diversity is important to us, we also take pride in what we share: a solid commitment to serving the nation.

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Are we accountable?

People sometimes think that we cannot be accountable because we do not disclose much about GCHQ's operations and methods.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, GCHQ is subject to very rigorous oversight both by Parliament and senior members of the judiciary, and works entirely within a legal framework which complies with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Activities at GCHQ are underpinned by the Intelligence Services Act 1994 (amended most recently by the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001) and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. The purposes for which interception may be permitted are set out explicitly in these Acts: national security, safeguarding economic wellbeing, and the prevention and detection of serious crime. Interception for other purposes is not lawful, and we do not do it.

Anyone who considers they have a valid complaint in respect of GCHQ should contact the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, PO Box 33220, London, SW1H 9ZQ.

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