#Implementing Facit’s Identity Cloak: A Practical Shift
Against this backdrop, the University of Limerick selected Identity Cloak as its video redaction solution. The decision followed demonstrations from several vendors.
Kieran Tuite says: “The product’s ease of use and customer support were among the factors that decided us on Facit’s Identity Cloak.”
From an operational perspective, the university saw some immediate benefits:
Speed
Tasks that used to take hours to complete were suddenly getting done in no time.
Accuracy
Using automated and semi-automated tools cut down on the risk of human error.
Control
Keeping the footage in-house meant that the university had more control and reduced its exposure to risks from third-party providers.
The software also provided some useful, valued features, such as the ability to create custom-shaped blur effects, or to zoom in on distant activities in footage, together with the capability to adjust the level of redaction to suit the situation.
For example, when sharing footage of a bus stop altercation, the university can obscure everyone except the person of interest without causing any issues with data protection.
Managing Real-World Events and Situations
The practical value of redaction software becomes clear in everyday cases:
Car Park Incidents
The most common requests received by the university involve vehicle damage. In these cases, footage must be edited so that only the requesting individual, or their vehicle, is visible. Other drivers, pedestrians and registration plates must be obscured.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Universities are increasingly proactive in addressing low-level disorder before it escalates. Redacted footage can be shared internally or with third parties without breaching privacy obligations.
Victim Access Requests
When individuals request footage of themselves, GDPR requires that their data be provided, but not the data of others. Redaction ensures regulatory compliance while respecting third-party rights.
Body-Worn Camera Footage
Although BWC SARs are currently few in number at the university, BWC usage introduces new dimensions, including the potential need for audio redaction. Identity Cloak’s ability to redact both video and audio means that the university is well positioned to cope with future demand.
Cultural and Organisational Impact
In addition to compliance, the university’s shift to in-house redaction has had some notable effects on its organisational culture:
Increased Confidence
Security staff feel more comfortable handling requests internally now.
Improved Responsiveness
The university is confident that it can act faster and turn compliant video around quicker.
Knowledge Retention
The Facilities Management department is able to build its expertise so that it remains in-house, unlike when video redaction was sent to the IT department.
There is also a subtle but important shift in outlook: video footage is no longer just a piece of evidence; it is seen as regulated data that requires careful stewardship.
The Role of Collaboration
Membership of the Association of University Chief Security Officers provides the University of Limerick with access to a network of peers who face similar challenges. Within this forum, institutions share best practices, benchmark approaches and anticipate emerging risks.
This collaborative approach is particularly valuable in navigating new regulations such as the EU AI Act, as interpretation and implementation are still evolving.
