Mark Whitehead 04 September 2018

Councils defend use of fake facebook profiles

Councils in North Wales have defended their right to use fake Facebook profiles to gather information on illegal activities.

Gwynedd and Denbighshire county councils admitted their trading standards departments had used ‘pseudonym’ profiles in investigations into counterfeiting.

They say the method is legal and helps to protect the public and businesses from criminals.

But campaigners Big Brother Watch slammed the tactics as 'shocking'.

They said using social media to gather intelligence was 'a shameful practice' which would interfere with the right to privacy.

Gwynedd council confirmed to LocalGov that it had used a covert profile.

A spokesperson said: 'There are various investigative methods available to the council, including covert investigations with the use of online platforms, which we undertake in accordance with all relevant regulations.

'Such methods can be used by the council in carrying out its duties in relation to Trading Standards, for instance to investigate the alleged sale of illegal or counterfeit goods so that we can help protect consumers, the public in general and legitimate businesses.'

Denbighshire council confirmed an undercover profile is used by its Trading Standards department and one officer had received training in how to use the method for investigations.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute said covert operations had always been a key aspect for enforcement bodies in tackling criminal behaviour.

'As with test purchasing of under-age goods, there are clear guidelines in place under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act for authorities using covert profiles to gather intelligence.

'Trained officers are overseen by a national body, and evidence is logged in the same way as physical evidence would be.

'The covert investigations are conducted in the interest of public safety, often aimed at stopping dangerous and illegal counterfeit products from reaching consumers.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Leicestershire County Council
Up to £234,171
This is a rare opportunity to lead a council with both strength and ambition at a time of change. Leicestershire
Recuriter: Leicestershire County Council

Director of Adults and Integrated Commissioning

Kent County Council
up to £129,530 per annum
A career-defining role at the heart of adult social care transformation. Kent
Recuriter: Kent County Council

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner