160
Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Annual Report 2019
Error Investigation 14
Telecommunications Operator (TO)
Human or Technical:
Human
Classification:
Misinterpretation of data
Data Acquired:
Subscriber information relating to Internet Protocol Address
Resolutions (IPAR).
Description:
A public authority was investigating a potential kidnap. The authority
identified IP activity for an internet-enabled device linked to the victim.
An overseas TO confirmed to the authority that this activity had occurred
post kidnap and so the authority requested that the IP address should be
resolved to the assigned customer, giving the police an address on which
to focus their investigation.
Police forced entry to the address. On speaking to the occupant, it
became clear they were unconnected to this live investigation.
Police queried the results with the TO who stated, contrary to their initial
report, that the IP activity was system-driven. This meant the activity
was unconnected to the authority’s investigation.
Consequence:
An individual unconnected with the inquiry was questioned but no
serious harm resulted.
Under Section 231 (9) the IPC is only able to make a determination if
the relevant error is made by a public authority. In this case no error by
the public authority was made.