The recent data breach has sent shockwaves through the UK government after the identities of more than 100 British officials, including members of the SAS and MI6, were revealed. The incident also exposed nearly 19,000 Afghans who collaborated with British forces during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan, putting their lives at risk. Many of these individuals had applied for resettlement in the UK and now fear retribution from the Taliban.
Initially covered by a super-injunction, details of the breach emerged when a High Court judge lifted the order, exposing how sensitive personal details were mistakenly included in a database. The breach occurred when a UK Special Forces worker mistakenly emailed over 30,000 resettlement applications, expecting to send data for just 150 individuals.
In response to the leak, the UK government has initiated the Afghanistan Response Route program, aimed at relocating those affected. Approximately 4,500 Afghans and their families have already benefited, with plans for more to follow at a cost estimated at £850 million.
While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) acknowledged the severity of this "departmental error," no information has been disclosed about how many lives may be endangered due to this data leak. Concerns have been raised by relatives of Afghans named in the breached data, as they report intensified efforts by the Taliban to locate their loved ones.
The MoD insists that the security of personnel is a priority, especially in sensitive roles, and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the identities and safety of individuals involved in national security.
Initially covered by a super-injunction, details of the breach emerged when a High Court judge lifted the order, exposing how sensitive personal details were mistakenly included in a database. The breach occurred when a UK Special Forces worker mistakenly emailed over 30,000 resettlement applications, expecting to send data for just 150 individuals.
In response to the leak, the UK government has initiated the Afghanistan Response Route program, aimed at relocating those affected. Approximately 4,500 Afghans and their families have already benefited, with plans for more to follow at a cost estimated at £850 million.
While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) acknowledged the severity of this "departmental error," no information has been disclosed about how many lives may be endangered due to this data leak. Concerns have been raised by relatives of Afghans named in the breached data, as they report intensified efforts by the Taliban to locate their loved ones.
The MoD insists that the security of personnel is a priority, especially in sensitive roles, and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the identities and safety of individuals involved in national security.
