IPCO Annual Report 2017
Error Investigation 23
Responsible Party
Communication Service Provider (CSP)
Human or Technical
Technical
Cause
Corruption of data following updates to certain accounts
Data Acquired
Subscriber information relating to telephony and IP addresses
Description
Two public authorities sought communications data from a CSP for
unconnected incidents. In both the CSP provided incorrect data (wrong
name and address). Both incidents sought the assistance of the account
holders. Each visit quickly established the likelihood of an error with the
data used to take officers to each address.. The CSP was contacted and
their investigation identified that in very unique circumstances changes
to certain accounts could lead to errors in the recording of data.
Consequence
Contact made with customers (2) unconnected to either incident.
Error Investigation 24
Responsible Party
Communication Service Provider (CSP)
Human or Technical
Technical
Cause
Incorrect background setting (time zone).
Data Acquired
WiFi usage by IP address
Description
A CSP reported to IPCO an error in their resetting of Wifi usage data
around the time zone. This had the potential of making results out
by one hour. An immediate check was made of the results previously
provided to public authorities seeking WiFi usage.. This work identified
19 potential errors spread across 14 public authorities.
A questionnaire was sent out to each the following results obtained.
15 – No impact on the investigation/incident.
In the remaining 4 the following action occurred:
• Search warrant executed and devices seized at home of innocent
person.
• Repeat visits no one home further visits stopped upon notification.
• Discrepancy with the location of a missing person (later found)
• Location information at variance to other evidence submitted.
Full disclosure to CPS and defence
Consequence
Search warrant executed at the address of an innocent person.
Investigation yet to be finalised.
127