132
IPCO Annual Report 2018
Error Investigation 18
Telecommunications Operator (TO)
Human or Technical:
Technical
Classification:
Incorrect Data
Data Acquired:
Subscriber information relating to an Internet Protocol Address
Resolution (IPAR)
Description:
Police officers investigating sexual offences relating to online grooming,
sought communication data connected to the suspect’s username and
internet addresses associated to the activity. The data returned was
based on the same username but with a space between the name
and a set of double digits (abc19 v abc 19). This error was not spotted
and consequently further applications to identify the user of the
internet address were flawed. Consequently, the information supplied
in response to the further applications was erroneous and led to the
arrest of an innocent person.
Consequence:
The IPC decided that this error amounted to serious error (within the
meaning of section 231 IPA). Accordingly, IPCO notified the affected
person of the fact of the serious error and of that person’s right to
apply to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
Error Investigation 19
Telecommunications Operator (TO)
Human or Technical:
Technical
Classification:
Incorrect Data
Data Acquired:
Subscriber information relating to an Internet Protocol Address
Resolution and associated email address
Description:
Police officers investigating the upload and sharing of indecent images
of children applied for communications data to identify the location
from which internet services were being accessed. A further application
was submitted to identify the user of an associated email address. An
inordinate delay in receiving this result from a service provider outside
the UK led officers concerned for the welfare of children to execute a
warrant based on the internet location result only. A short time after
this warrant, the email result was returned and inexplicably identified
a different address and person. This person was arrested however, no
incriminating material was found in either case. From the enquiries
conducted by IPCO to date it appears that the applications submitted
by the police were accurate, and as yet a system fault has not been
identified by the service provider.
Consequence:
The criminal investigation and the source of the potential error remain
under investigation.