29-Mar-2021

HS2 Surveillance -
Contravention of GDPR and FoI legislation

CCTV on the XR march

A CCTV van was used to obtain footage of the XR march passing through Aylesbury on 24th June 2020 - as recorded here.

A subject access request for this footage was submitted - initially to HS2, who responded that they did not hold it, and then to Envision, their contractor.

As Envision issued a read receipt, but otherwise did not respond, a complaint was made to the Information Commissioner (ICO) on 23rd Aug.This was acknowledged on 9th October, and on 11th Dec, a complaint was made against the ICO, since nothing had happened. On 15th Dec, the ICO sent a stern warning to Envision. However, Envision again did not respond so on 13th Feb 2021, this was bought to the attention of the ICO.

On 18th Feb the ICO responded, saying they had written to Envision (whether this was a second letter is unclear), and stated that

we do not consider that it is appropriate or necessary to pursue further action with Envision and/or we have provided Envision with advice regarding their wider information rights practices and are
satisfied that it is putting things right

As there is no evidence whatever that Envision are 'putting things right', or in fact paying any attention at all to the ICO, it seems that the ICO regard further action as 'inappropriate'.

HS2 and Personal Information

HS2 have a 'Personal Information Charter', and state

"We know how important it is to protect your privacy and to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)."

However, this does not prevent them from employing security contractors who show a complete disregard for these regulations, and then denying all responsibility, and the Information Commissioner appears to regard this behaviour as acceptable.

In conjunction with the refusal of HS2 to demonstrate compliance with wildlife protection laws, and the excesses of the National Eviction Team, this shows a pattern of disregard for laws extending beyond the large number which have been suspended within the Act limits.