Request ID: FOI-1510-2425 Date published: 24 September 2024
You asked
Please could you release any presentations, reports or analyses, as well as the DPIA, on the use of “appearance” tracking technology used by TfL on London Underground, since 2019?
To be clear, I am referring to technologies like “Tag and Track”, made by Ipsotek. This is not facial recognition or biometric identification. I’m referring to what Ipsotek called “appearance” monitoring – so using smart CCTV to identify individuals based on (eg) clothing, a bag they are carrying or movement, which is treated legally very differently.
I understand this technology is offered by more than just Ipsotek, so please consider this request to expand to similar “track and tag” technology, which may be differently branded by other companies.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1510-2425 Thank you for your request received on 9 August 2024 asking for information about tag and track technology. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that TfL has not used or trialled any tag and track or “Smart CCTV” technology of the kind described in your request. Previously we have installed Vivacity sensors, which monitor traffic conditions by recognising vehicles appearing in different locations. Please see our published FOI response on this topic as well as our privacy page for more information: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-3127-1920 https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/privacy-and-cookies/cctv#on-this-page-14 Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London [email protected]
