2013 Annual Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner
4.54 My predecessor made the point that although there is a drive to design automated
systems to reduce the amount of double keying and resultant human error that occurs, it is
crucial for such systems to be sufficiently tested for quality to ensure they are functioning
effectively. I agree with this and would add that one technical systems error can have
wider consequences than one human error. My office is in the process of investigating
one such CSP system error which resulted in incorrect data being disclosed to a large
number of public authorities. The error in the main caused false negative results to be
provided in relation to requests for subscriber information. Accordingly no positive harm
resulted to individuals. At the time of writing this report our investigation into the cause
and impact of this error is still ongoing.
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