Communications data obtained by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Freedom of Information Act Request

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FOI 23-24 13 Communications data obtained by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Ref: FOI 23-24 13

Date issued: 31 August 2023

Subject: Communications data obtained by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Question(s):
1. Since 1 January 2018, on how many occasions has the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority obtained the 'communications data' (e.g. Call Data Records, or CDRs) of individuals from mobile telecoms providers, either directly or indirectly through another agency (e.g. Met Police, Home Office, etc.)? Please break this down into:
a. number of separate occasions these were requested
b. number of individual phone numbers for which CDRs were requested
c. the legal basis for the requests (please specify the number of requests per legal basis. For example, “total requests: 3, Investigatory Powers Act – 2, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 -- 1”)
d. the particular legislation used e.g. PACE, RIPA, IP Act (number of instances as a percentage of the total)
e. what percentage of requests for that data that were rejected, and the reasons for the rejection.
For guidance, CDRs are part of 'communications data' from a telecoms company. Please see this document, particularly page 13: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/426248/Acquisition_and_Disclosure_of_Communications_Data_Code_of_Practice_March_2015.pdf

2. Since 1 January 2018, has the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority purchased or otherwise received (including free of charge) any anonymised mobile phone communications data sets (otherwise known as anonymised CDRs), be they of individuals or aggregate data. (For your information, an example of commercial 'big data' for mobile phones can be found here: https://thenextweb.com/uk/2012/10/09/telefonica-launches-big-data-analysis-service-for-business-and-local-authorities/)

a. If yes, please state on how many occasions and when
b. From which telecoms providers the communications data originated
c. If purchased via a third-party, please specify which company
d. The intended use of that data
e. The total amount spent, if anything
f. If not purchased but nonetheless shared, please state the name of the body that provided the data

Response:
1a. Since 1 January 2018, the GLAA has made 119 applications for communications data (as of 16th August 2023).

1b. Our records show that 299 telephony data requests were made. Please note due to the way this information is recorded, this figure may include duplications.

1c. 52 request were made under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). 67 requests were made under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). The statutory purpose is Crime: all requests for offences capable of attracting a 12+ months prison sentence.

1d. As above.

1e. No requests were rejected.

2. The GLAA has not purchased or received anonymised phone communications data sets.