The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has slapped a formal reprimand on two police forces over a privacy gaffe that exposed sensitive personal data.
Police App Backfires Big Time
Launched in 2016, an app designed to help a handful of officers record calls went viral—among staff, at least. Instead of being limited to a select few, the app was downloaded by a staggering 1,015 officers across both forces. This led to calls being recorded without consent, capturing “highly sensitive” information linked to suspected crimes.
Privacy Nightmare for Victims and Suspects
The data breach put victims, witnesses, and suspects in the firing line, with personal details exposed without their knowledge. The ICO discovered the scandal in 2020 and launched an investigation.
Official Rebuke—but No £1 Million Fine
Though the app was pulled and all non-evidential recordings destroyed, the ICO still dealt a serious slap on the wrist with a formal reprimand. Surprisingly, no £1 million fine was handed down—but this blunder has seriously dented trust in the police forces involved.
