Authorised purpose
Authorised purpose controls: the declaration that runs before every search
Lawful searching is not decided by what the data is. It is decided by why the search was run, and whether that reason was stated before the results appeared.
The problem this answers
Where purpose is a policy rather than a control, compliance depends on people remembering. Under time pressure, on a busy file, that is not a control at all.
A purpose recorded after the fact is worth very little. Its value comes from being stated before the information was seen.
What the search returns
- A purpose selected and declared by the user before any result is returned.
- The declaration bound to that specific query, that user and that timestamp.
- Source-level restrictions, so data that carries a narrower permitted use is reachable only under a purpose that supports it.
- Role-based access, so the sources a seat can reach match the work that seat does.
When it is used
- On every search. There is no path to a result that bypasses the declaration.
- When a firm needs to show that access to credit reporting information was purpose limited in practice, not only in policy.
- When a supervisor reviews what staff have been searching and on what stated basis.
What it does not establish
- A declaration does not make an unlawful search lawful. It records the basis the user relied on, and it makes a false declaration attributable.
- It is not legal advice about whether your purpose qualifies. That judgment stays with the account holder.
The limits on the enquiry
- Credit reporting information is available only for purposes the Credit Reporting Privacy Code 2020 permits.
- The declaration cannot be added later to tidy up a file, and it cannot be edited afterwards.
- Declarations form part of the audit record and are retained with it.
The statutory position is set out in full on the compliance page.
Who may access it
- Every verified user, on every search. Administrators can configure which sources each role may reach.
How intelID consolidates the result
One declaration covers the whole enquiry, across each source selected for it, rather than a different attestation in a different format at each provider.
The declaration and the audit entry are written together, so the reason and the action are never held apart.
What you pay is the monthly subscription plus the searches you run, set out on the pricing page. Every integrated source and its legal basis is listed on the data sources page.
Questions about authorised purpose
What counts as an authorised purpose?
A lawful reason connected to the work you are engaged to do, such as recovery of a debt you are instructed on, service of documents in a proceeding, or enquiry under a retainer. The purpose has to be one the source's licence terms permit for your class of user.
Can a purpose be added after the search?
No. The declaration runs before results are returned and cannot be edited afterwards.
Do all users have access to all sources?
No. Access is granted by role, and sources with narrower permitted uses are reachable only under a purpose that supports them.
Request access to intelID
Tell us who you are and what you need to search, and we will set up your account. Verification is part of the process and usually straightforward. Most accounts are verified and issued within 2 business days.