IPCO Annual Report 2017
Error Investigation 2
Responsible Party
Public Authority
Human or Technical
Human
Cause
Transposition
Data Acquired
Subscriber information relating to an IP address
Description
A public authority was investigating the uploading of indecent images
of children (IIOC). The officer identified 3 relevant IP addresses used
by the offender during their upload and sought their resolution into
customer details. After authorisation the time zone for each was
incorrectly entered into the portal of the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
As a consequence the results were out by one hour risking the wrong
account(s) being attributed to the offence.
In two the same customer details was found, with the third returning
details of another customer.
No connection between the two customers could be found.
Action was taken at both addresses.
Consequence
Police visited the premise of an individual unconnected
to their investigation.
Computer equipment seized.
Error Investigation 3
Responsible Party
Public Authority
Human or Technical
Human
Cause
Misinterpretation of data
Data Acquired
Social Profile – IP log on and access history
Description
A public authority was trying to locate a vulnerable missing person.
Open source research was used to identify whether the missing person
had a social media presence. This research found what they thought to
be their profile.
The profile found had the same name, description and lived in the
same area.
The public authority undertook a welfare visit only to find the person
had the same name but no connection to the missing person.
Consequence
Police visited the premise of an individual unconnected to their search.
Delayed welfare check.
Missing person was found safe and well.
115