ICO finds Met Police's Gangs Matrix breached data protection laws
The Information Commissioner's Office found that the Metropolitan Police Service's Gangs Matrix breached data protection laws, including by assigning automated harm scores to people suspected of gang involvement without proper impact assessments or safeguards. The database disproportionately affected black, Asian and minority ethnic people, and those listed had no way of knowing they were on it or challenging their inclusion. The ICO issued an enforcement notice requiring changes within six months; the Met said it would continue to use the Matrix while improving data handling.
- Date it happened
- 2012-01-01
- Organisation involved
- Metropolitan Police Service
- Product, system or model
- Gangs Matrix
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This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.