Suppression of Aircraft Data from Third-Party Flight Tracking Platforms
Dear Victoria Police,
I am seeking access to documents relating to the removal, suppression, or anonymisation of aircraft data from third-party flight tracking services such as FlightRadar24, PlaneFinder, ADS-B Exchange, or similar platforms.
Specifically, I’m after:
1. Policies, procedures, or internal guidelines concerning requests to third-party services for the removal or suppression of aircraft tracking data;
2. Correspondence between your agency and third-party flight tracking platforms relating to the suppression, removal, or anonymisation of aircraft data;
3. Internal discussions, briefings, or records outlining the rationale or decisions around seeking to suppress aircraft data from public tracking platforms;
4. Statistics, reports, or summaries indicating the volume and nature of requests made to third-party platforms over the past five years;
5. Any agreements, memoranda of understanding, or formal arrangements between your agency and third-party flight tracking platforms relating to data suppression or visibility restrictions.
I am not seeking access to the personal information of members of the public, nor do I require the direct contact details or last names of public servants below the Senior Executive Service level (or equivalent for your agency).
I have submitted this request to multiple state and federal agencies. Please contact me before initiating any transfer to another agency as they may have already received an identical request.
Please consider if it’s possible to process this request informally/administratively. If you find it can’t be treated that way, please consider it a formal Freedom of Information request.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Fairless
This office is experiencing considerable delays in responding to requests and correspondence. We strongly suggest making your request online (via the link below) or sending any correspondence to this email address ([VICPOL request email]).
Online link:
https://online.foi.vic.gov.au/foi/reques...
If your enquiry is regarding the progress of a submitted request, please note this office is currently experiencing a significant increase in workload. As a result, there are delays in completing requests which is on average 36 weeks after the due date.
We are endeavouring to process requests in order of receipt. This office will therefore not be responding to individual queries regarding delays in order to facilitate the processing of requests.
Please note you have the right to complain to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) if you are concerned with the delay. OVIC can be contacted by email at [email address]
For further information regarding the Freedom of Information Division at Victoria Police please visit our webpage: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/freedom-in...
We appreciate your understanding during this time.
Freedom of Information Division
Governance and Assurance Department | Victoria Police
Address: 311 Spencer Street, Docklands VIC 3008