Case study A9/11
In 2010, a network of terrorists – comprising groups in Cardiff,
London and Stoke-on-Trent - planned a series of bomb attacks
at several symbolic locations in the UK, including the London
Stock Exchange. Complex analysis of bulk acquisition data
played a key role in identifying the network. The task was
made particularly challenging by the geographical separation
of the groups. Nine members of the network were subsequently
charged and pleaded guilty to terrorism offences relating to the
plot. Eight members of the network pleaded guilty to engaging
in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.
MI5 reiterated to the Review team the assertion it had already
made in public that the use of targeted communications data
would not have allowed it to identify the attackers and
understand the links between them with the speed made
possible by the use of bulk acquisition data.”
There are several other similar case studies in Annex 9 of the Anderson
Report.
As the Report noted (at paragraph 2.33) it is an important and
distinctive feature of the SIAs’ current capability that data obtained pursuant
to s.94 can be aggregated in one place.
13.
The overall conclusion of Mr Anderson QC, at paragraph 6.47, was as
follows:
“I have concluded that:
(a)
Bulk acquisition has been demonstrated to be crucial
in a variety of fields, including counter-terrorism,
counter-espionage and counter-proliferation. The
case studies provide examples in which bulk
acquisition has contributed significantly to the
disruption of terrorist operations and, through that
disruption, almost certainly the saving of lives.
(b)
Bulk acquisition is valuable as a basis for action in the
face of imminent threat, though its principal utility lies
in swift target identification and development.
(c)
The SIAs’ ability to interrogate the aggregated data
obtained through bulk acquisition cannot, at least with
currently available technology, be matched through
the use of data obtained by targeted means.
Page 10