Counter-terror police are set to collect data from food delivery services, taxis and car-sharing platforms as part of a new £900,000 programme to combat terrorism, illegal immigration and organised crime.
The initiative, led by London police chiefs, aims to develop a "communication exploitation data tool" to process various types of digital information.
The programme will target data from companies such as Uber Eats and Zipcar, sharing the information with police forces across London, The Sun reports.
The new system will transform raw communications data, including radio frequency information, into a standardised format suitable for intelligence analysis.
Counter terror police are set to collect extra data (stock pic)
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The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime has outlined that the processed data formats are expected to include CSV files, ANPR data, and drone data.
Records from Zipcar journeys, Uber rides, and Uber Eats deliveries will also be incorporated into the standardised system.
A counter-terrorist police spokesman said: "Analysing digital data is a vital part of our work and we continually look to assess and improve the tools we have available to help keep the public safe."
Police officials have confirmed that all data collection will adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines.
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Police raids conducted on delivery riders for Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat approximately led to the recovery of cash and weapons believed to be linked to criminal activity (stock pic)
PA
The data collection plans come amid previous enforcement actions targeting delivery services in London.
Police raids conducted on delivery riders for Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat approximately 18 months ago led to the recovery of cash and weapons believed to be linked to criminal activity.
The operation targeted 66 delivery riders across the capital.
Uber's current data sharing policy indicates the company will provide information about crimes to law enforcement authorities.
Uber's current data sharing policy indicates the company will provide information about crimes to law enforcement authorities (stock pic)
PA
However, the company's website does not specifically mention whether it shares ride data with police.
