Amended Authorization

(section 15 of IC Act)

What does it authorize?

An amended authorization allows CSE to carry out activities that were not included in the original foreign intelligence or cybersecurity authorization.

Why is it required?

During ongoing activities, CSE might discover that it needs to undertake a particular activity that would not be covered by the ministerial authorization for the activities issued by the Minister and approved by the IC.

Why is the IC's role important?

Review by the IC ensures that CSE has sufficient justification for carrying out activities that were not included in the original authorization.

How does CSE obtain it?

To amend a foreign intelligence or cybersecurity authorization there must be a significant change in any of the facts submitted as part of the original request for the authorization. When this happens, CSE must notify the Minister of the change as soon as feasible. If the Minister concludes that the change in the fact is significant, they must notify the IC of this conclusion.

To justify a request for an amendment, CSE must provide information to the Minister with the same level of detail that it used to justify the initial request for authorization. The Minister may amend an authorization when they have reasonable grounds to believe that, taking into account the significant change, the legislative conditions have been met.