Our networks hold much location-based information and in the UK we are required by law, under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000, to work with police, within their powers, or by request from the Secretary of State.
Our Emergency Liaison Unit in the UK configures the O2 network to provide the emergency authorities with the location of a 999 caller. In a life-or-death situation, where the call is ended prematurely, the unit will also provide the subscriber’s details in accordance with the regulator’s strict rules.
Under RIPA, police need a general warrant to access mobile phone content, such as text messages or pictures.
Apart from incidents involving crime, national safety and security, we intervene to help trace a person only in matters of life or death. For example, we have been able to trace and help to rescue people who have called emergency numbers to report a suicide attempt.
In Germany, our Special Services unit, a dedicated unit to handle requests from law enforcement agencies, deal with all lawful interception.
O2 Ireland launched a new call-trace system in November 2005 to better enable the company to provide call data to the emergency services.
O2’s UK Nuisance Call Bureau is designed to help our customers if they are being harassed, threatened or bullied.
All initial enquiries about nuisance calls and child protection should be directed through our customer service centres (202 for pay-monthly customers or 4445 for pay-and-go customers). If further help is needed, customer service will ask our specialised teams to contact you.
In 2006 our Nuisance Call Bureau extended hours of operation from 8.30am–7pm every night (open weekdays only). We have improved the contact rate, responding to about 20,000 calls during the year.
