KOS – Sightings database
We have had some technical and
security issues with the sightings database. After we became aware of a weakness
in the database’s security that meant that users’ personal data was potentially
vulnerable, we sought advice from the Information Commissioner (the regulator
of GDPR) and as a result decided that the safest option was to disable access
to the database.
The sightings database is a
popular way for people to report their sightings to the Society. These
sightings are very important to us and help build a picture of the county’s
avifauna which is reported annually in the Kent Bird Report. We have already
commissioned work to create a new reporting tool but this could take some time
develop and put in place.
In the meantime
we would urge existing users of the database to use other applications like BirdTrack or eBird to report
their sightings. Records uploaded to these applications are passed on to the
KOS. We are also looking to provide a template excel spreadsheet that
will allow observers to report their sightings to the Area Recorders.
We apologise for the
inconvenience that this may cause observers.
Brendan Ryan (Honorary Secretary KOS)