Posts by Joe Grundy

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

I've sent the following e-mail to the office of the Information Commissioner:

I would be grateful for your advice.

I understand that congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses maintain considerable amounts of personal data about congregants, including name/address/phone number etc. but also notes as to attendance at congregational meetings, hours spent in 'missionary activity', suitability for advancement, and so on. This data is, I believe, shared with other entities within the overall organisation (WTBTS NY USA).

In particular, I understand that records are kept of congregational enquiries ('judicial committees') into alleged wrongdoings which may include matters as serious as child abuse.

My understanding is that the keeping of such records is subject to the Data Protection Act, and that the Data Controllers should register with ICO and comply with the relevant legislation.

I note that the Jehovah's Witnesses UK HQ is registered (under International Bible Students Association) as are a few local congregations (under CCTV provisions) but it seems to me that local congregations, which hold searchable (and sometimes sensitive) personal data should also be registered. Am I correct in this view?

Thank you for your attention

I'll post any reply.

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

Thanks, Mephis.

I think that this is going to be a can of worms, but I'm retired, most days its raining so it could be a useful pursuit.

(I find it noteworthy that the Bible Students broke away from JWs, or vice versa, and yet WT UK still uses IBSA as its legal entity - but that's another discussion).

I never was a JW but as far as I understand it, every KH holds personal data (whether on paper or digital doesn't matter if it's searchable) about its members. Includes names, addresses, phone numbers, time records, JC results, TMS markings, and so on. As far as I can see, they should be registered under DPA.

I need to check this out.

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

OK - anyone here from Newport North or Castle Bromwich who's turned in a time report? No need for any personal info.

If so, I'll raise a query with ICO on the basis that I understand that they're keeping, processing and transferring personal data caught by the DPA but outside the terms of their registration.

Then we'll move on to congos which haven't registered at all ...

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

They only keep/process CCTV stuff, too, and only share it within the EEA!

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

And here's another one:

Data Protection Register - Entry Details

Registration Number: Z3204293

Date Registered: 27 June 2012 Registration Expires: 26 June 2016

Data Controller: KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAHS WITNESSES

Address:

WINDWARD WAY
CASTLE BROMWICH
BIRMINGHAM
B36 0UF

This register entry describes, in very general terms, the personal data being processed by:

KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAHS WITNESSES

Nature of work - CCTV and Crime Prevention

Description of processing

The following is a broad description of the way this organisation/data controller processes personal information. To understand how your own personal information is processed you may need to refer to any personal communications you have received, check any privacy notices the organisation has provided or contact the organisation to ask about your personal circumstances.

Reasons/purposes for processing information

We process personal information using a CCTV system to monitor and collect visual images for the purpose of security and prevention and detection of crime.

Type/classes of information processed

We process information relevant to the above reasons/purposes. This may include; personal details, personal appearance and behaviour; visual images.

We also process sensitive classes of information that may include:

offences and alleged offences
criminal proceedings, outcomes and sentences
visual images, personal appearance and behaviour

Who the information is processed about

We process personal information about:

staff
customers, clients
offenders and suspected offenders
members of the public and people in the area which is under CCTV surveillance

Who the information may be shared with

We sometimes need to share the personal information we process with the individual themself and also with other organisations. Where this is necessary we are required to comply with all aspects of the Data Protection Act (DPA). What follows is a description of the types of organisations we may need to share some of the personal information we process with for one or more reasons.

Where necessary or required we share information with:

business associates
service providers
enquirers and complainants
police forces and security organisations

Transfers

It may sometimes be necessary to transfer personal information overseas. When this is needed information is only shared within the European Economic Area (EEA). Any transfers made will be in full compliance with all aspects of the data protection act.

© Copyright

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

Mephis:

"It's the WBTS' inherent secrecy which is the issue here, and it's that which has to be broken down if we're going to see them have effective child safeguarding which really should be the aim."

I entirely agree.

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

Oh dear. I don't think this can be right.

Newport cong don't process any personal information apart from CCTV images, they say. So, no records of cong members, no records of publishers' hours, no records of JCs, - well, you get the idea.

Naughty Newport - but at least they registered (bet it was only 'cos they have CCTV). Very few other congs have (search at ICO).

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

And here's the entry for Newport Gwent congregation:

Data Protection Register - Entry Details

Registration Number: ZA097437

Date Registered: 29 January 2015 Registration Expires: 28 January 2017

Data Controller: Newport North Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses

Address:

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Penkin Hill
Newport
Gwent
NP19 9NX

Other Names:

Unknown

This register entry describes, in very general terms, the personal data being processed by:

Newport North Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses

Nature of work - Religious Worship and related activities

Description of processing

The following is a broad description of the way this organisation/data controller processes personal information. To understand how your own personal information is processed you may need to refer to any personal communications you have received, check any privacy notices the organisation has provided or contact the organisation to ask about your personal circumstances.

Reasons/purposes for processing information

We do not process personal information. We only use Camera Images to protect access to the site against those intent on criminal activities or intent on causing harm.

Type/classes of information processed

I process information relevant to the above reasons/purposes. This information may include:

Security Camera footage

I also process sensitive classes of information that may include:

offences including alleged offences.

Who the information is processed about

Anyone accessing the Kingdom Hall

Who the information may be shared with

Possibly only the Police if it became necessary

Where required by law, I share information with healthcare, social and welfare organisations.

CCTV for crime prevention

CCTV is used for maintaining the security of property and premises and for preventing and investigating crime, For these reasons the information processed may include visual images, personal appearance and behaviours. This information may be about offenders and suspected offenders, members of the public and those inside, entering or in the immediate vicinity of the area under surveillance. Where necessary or required this information is shared with the data subjects themselves, and police forces, making an enquiry.

Transfers
It may sometimes be necessary to transfer personal information overseas. When this is needed information is only shared within the European Economic Area (EEA). Any transfers made will be in full compliance with all aspects of the data protection act.

© Copyright

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

Mephis:

I was disappointed with Rosenberg's comments. He seemed to have missed the point, and got it wrong re paper records.

76

BBC Radio 4. 14th February 2016. ''Sunday'' program with article on Witnesses and child abuse.

by ThomasCovenant in

the sunday programme investigates allegations that the jehovah's witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse.

was this in contravention of section 21 of the inquiries act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment?.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0709v34.

Joe Grundy

So there you have it.. When you join the organisation (JWs) you are agreeing to the above data collection, retention and sharing.

How many 'bible studies' are made aware of this? I could make a guess.