BT Planning Applications for Bristol

BT’s new InLInk WiFi kiosk to be fitted with security cameras.

16:58 16 April 2018

BT has submitted 25 planning applications to Bristol City Council for the installation of InLink units, which are meant to replace disused telephone boxes. Each unit will be fitted with at least three security cameras, two of which will be placed above the ad displays while the other one built into the tablet.

 

Although BT has said that the cameras will not be switched on without public consultation, members of the public have asked city planners to consider the proposals carefully.

 

Mrs Nicola Round, who commented publicly on the application, said that BT did not mention their plans of putting cameras in their WiFi kiosks in their application.

 

She said: “Is the council aware that as well as gathering personal data, each InLink unit is fitted with three surveillance cameras? This is not detailed anywhere in the application as far as I can see, but is clearly stated on the InLink website.

“If these applications are approved, it seems that a data gathering and surveillance network is being ushered in with very little scrutiny or knowledge about the implications, and with no public awareness,” she added.

 

Mr Benoit Bennott from Eastville added: “I'm also concerned by the three cameras which each "InLink" has fitted, with no given reason. The potential for other hardware to be fitted (which would presumably not need planning permission), and other ways of monitoring the public is also massively concerning.”