Suppression of Aircraft Data from Third-Party Flight Tracking Platforms
Ben Fairless made this Government Information (Public Access) request to NSW Police Force as part of a batch sent to 15 authorities
Dear NSW Police Force,
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
Dear Ben,
Thank you for your inquiry to the NSW Police Force.
In order to make a request for NSW Police Force information, an applicant is required to submit a 'Formal Access' application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
The New South Wales Police Force accept applications for access to information online through the NSWPolice Force Community Portal Simply select the Access to Information card under the I want to apply section the homepage and follow the questions presented.
See the requesting information webpage for information and the latest updates.
What you need to lodge online
• You will need to validate your email address using a verification code sent to your email account to commence an online GIPA Application.
• You will need to pay the $30 Application fee via credit card on the secure online portal.
• You may need to verify your identity online via the Document Verification Service.
• You will need to specify the records / documents that you are requesting.
• You may need to upload document/s validating that you are authorised to act on behalf of another person.
• If you are unable to meet any requirements or require further information, please contact Infolink on 02 8835 6888.
What to expect
• You will receive a notification within 5 working days to advise whether your application has been accepted as a valid application.
• You will receive a Notice of Decision on the outcome of your application within 20 working days after we receive your application.
Alternatively, you may submit a manual GIPA application sent via Mail, however this may lengthen the procedure to time delays in receiving your mailed application.
Kind Regards,
Kind regards
Kulen Kulendran
Customer service Representative
InfoLink, Office of the General Counsel
Phone no: 02 8835 6888
Dear Kulen,
Thank you for your email. I’m wondering if NSW Police would consider releasing any of the information via “informal access” (https://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/information-a...
Yours sincerely,
Ben Fairless