1. How many CCTV cameras does TFL operate across its network? 2. Who are the manufacturers of the cameras? 3. Does TFL own any CCTV cameras or other hardware manufactured by Hikvision, Dahua or Huawei? 4. With reference to your response to Q3, can you specify what type of hardware and how many of this item TFL own? 5. Has TFL ever used facial recognition technology and are there any plans to do so in the future? If this is the case, please list any technology providers in use or under consideration.

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TfL Ref: FOI-1187-2021

Thank you for your request received by us on 24 September 2020, asking for information about TfL’s CCTV camera manufactures.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:

1. How many CCTV cameras does TFL operate across its network?

    

   There is an extensive network of more than 77,000 CCTV cameras operating across London’s transport network including the Tube network.

    

   There are new systems and cameras being added as well as taken out of use, therefore this figure is subject to change.

    

2. Who are the manufacturers of the cameras?

    

   I can confirm we do hold this information. However, in accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply this detail as it is subject to statutory exemptions to the right of access to information under section 24 (National security) and section 31(1)(a) (Prevention and detection of crime). 

    

3. Does TFL own any CCTV cameras or other hardware manufactured by Hikvision, Dahua or Huawei?

    

4. With reference to your response to Q3, can you specify what type of hardware and how many of this item TFL own?

Furthermore, we are neither confirming nor denying whether we own CCTV cameras manufactured by the aforementioned companies by virtue of the above mentioned exemptions Section 24 and Section 31(a). In this instance, disclosing any information pertaining to the manufacture types and models could lead to these assets being exploited or hijacked and the data compromised.

Disclosing any information pertaining to manufacture types and models could be compromised by individuals wishing to exploit security vulnerabilities to harm our network. The London transport system is a critical piece of national infrastructure and as such we employ rigorous safeguards to protect it from security attack. Like other organisations we are subject to regular attempted cyber security attacks. We consider that releasing the requested information would be likely to prejudice our efforts to prevent and detect future attacks and undermine our ability to safeguard the network.

In addition to concerns about the security of the London transport network, we consider that releasing information about the cameras and hardware would be likely to prejudice our efforts to prevent and detect future attacks and undermine our ability to safeguard the network.

A disclosure under the Freedom of Information act is a disclosure ‘to the world at large’ and whilst we make no suggestion that you would use the information for anything other than your own personal interest, in this instance the exemption has been applied as information regarding manufacture types and models, could be used by people wishing to commit a security attack.

The use of these exemptions are subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned.  We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance we consider that there is greater public interest in safeguarding our information systems and in protecting the security of the London transport network, which would be undermined by the disclosure of the requested information, while making the best use of public funds.

5. Has TFL ever used facial recognition technology and are there any plans to do so in the future? If this is the case, please list any technology providers in use or under consideration.

TfL has not used facial recognition technology in the past nor do we use it at present, and there are no current plans to do so.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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