126
IPCO Annual Report 2017
Error Investigation 21
Responsible Party
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Human or Technical
Human
Cause
Incorrect house number entered when setting up a broadband account
(2014)
Data Acquired
Subscriber information relating to 2 IP addresses
Description
A public authority received information of sexualised chat taking place
over social media.
The contact identified two IP addresses (time and date) when contact
with the child had occurred from within the UK. A RIPA application
was made to resolve the customers assigned each IP. The results
from different ISPs brought back the same account name but for two
different houses albeit within the same street.
No other link could be found between the two houses. Search warrants
were drawn. In a phased approach officers approached one of the
houses and quickly eliminated the occupier. The search warrant wasn’t
executed and no property was seized. The warrant was executed; the
occupant was arrested and later charged.
Consequence
Visit made to home of an innocent family.
Error Investigation 22
Responsible Party
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Human or Technical
Human
Cause
Clerical Error
Data Acquired
Subscriber information relating to an IP addresses
Description
A public authority was investigating the uploading of indecent images of
children (IIOC). The officer identified an IP address used by the offender
during their upload and sought its resolution into customer details.
Once authorised a Notice was served upon the ISP who provided the
public authority with details of a company.
Contact with the company was made and enquires commenced to try
and ascertain the likely perpetrator.
The Chairman of the company was able to eliminate his company as the
IP in question hadn’t been in use. Liaison with the ISP quickly established
a clerical error on their part. With two customers having very similar
company names the ISP inadvertently disclosed details against the wrong
company.
Consequence
Contact made with the Chairman of a company unconnected to the
investigation.