Transparency data

Social and digital media analysis privacy notice

Updated 23 September 2026

The Department for Transport (DfT) monitors and analyses public social media and search data using third-party tools.

Your data

We monitor public social media and digital data. At no point is private information accessed or privacy breached. At all times data is handled with the utmost confidentiality.

We review public social media posts relating to DfT and transport incidents. While we do not actively monitor individuals, personal data may be included in social media posts and news articles that we analyse. 

We may collect individual posts receiving high engagement to illustrate particular discussions or narratives that are happening online. These posts will include social media usernames (which may or may not be real names) and opinions.

Sometimes the opinions may express political opinions or philosophical beliefs. Sometimes social media users may disclose additional biographical details about themselves in their posts. 

Purpose

In DfT we work with our agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. Social media and search monitoring is carried out to find, assess, and address information relating to the department.

Monitoring helps to provide the department with early warnings of potential transport incidents that may affect operations, allowing teams to assess impacts and respond quickly.

Legal basis of processing

The processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the data controller.

While we do not actively collect special categories of personal data, or data about criminal convictions, such data may be included in social media posts that we analyse.

In such cases the legal bases for processing special categories of personal data are:

• the processing relates to personal data which are manifestly made public by you and

• the processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest for the exercise of a function of the crown, a minister of the crown, or a government department.

Data sharing

Our social media and media analysis is not generally shared with other government bodies. Where a transport incident engages other government departments, social media and media analysis would only be shared in aggregate to show key themes or narratives that are relevant. Such aggregates do not constitute personal data. 

Personal data will be stored on our IT infrastructure and will also be shared with our data processors who provide email, and document management and storage services.

Retention

Personal data is retained for as long as it is required for the matter it relates to and then deleted. Anonymised information may be held for a longer period where required.

Personal data from third parties

Where you did not provide personal data, this would have been provided by software providers (such as media monitoring companies) or obtained from public sources.

Automated decision-making

We do not use automated decision making that produces significant or legal effects for individuals.

Further information 

For more information about your rights in relation to your personal data, how to complain or how to contact the DfT Data Protection Officer, view our personal information charter.