Request ID: FOI-2470-2122 Date published: 22 February 2022
You asked
- How many secret recording devices have been discovered at TfL sites between 2012-2022
- How many secret spy cameras have been found at TfL owned sites between 2012-2022
- How many secret spy cameras have been found in TfL owned toilets between 2012-2022
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2470-2122
Thank you for your request received on 1 February 2022 asking for information about covert surveillance devices.
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 we do hold the information you require.
However, in accordance with the FOI Act we are not obliged to supply this information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 24 - national security and section 31(1)(a) - prevention and detection of crime.
In this instance the exemptions apply as disclosure of the information you have requested would describe the success or failure of attempts by persons unknown to unlawfully monitor our sites and potentially access or disrupt them and our information networks, which are critical to the operation of London’s transport system. The London transport system is a critical piece of national infrastructure and as such we employ rigorous safeguards to protect it from both physical and cyber-attacks. Like other organisations we are subject to regular attempted attacks. Whilst the motive is not always apparent, we are aware of the risk to critical national infrastructure that may result from successfully monitoring our sites without our knowledge.
We consider that releasing information about any type of attempts to conduct covert surveillance would be likely to prejudice our efforts to prevent and detect such activities and undermine our ability to safeguard the London transport network.
The use of these exemptions is 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 sites and information systems and protecting the integrity of the London transport network.
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
