The Ministry of Defence has apologised and launched an investigation after a data breach revealed the email addresses of more than 250 Afghan interpreters who worked for British forces. The breach occurred when an email sent by the MoD to interpreters seeking relocation to the UK mistakenly made their addresses visible to all recipients.
The interpreters, many of whom are in hiding from the Taliban, were asked for an update on their situation. The MoD has contacted those affected and is offering advice on managing potential risks. One interpreter told the BBC that the mistake could cost lives, as some recipients inadvertently replied to all, exposing their profile pictures and contact details.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace described the breach as an “unacceptable breach”. Former defence minister Johnny Mercer said the error would likely force Afghan translators to “move house again tonight”, criticising the government’s handling of the interpreters. Shadow defence secretary John Healey called it a “criminally negligent performance” and noted this was the second major MoD data breach this year, after sensitive documents were found at a bus stop in June.
An MoD spokesperson stated that an investigation has been launched and that the department is taking all necessary steps under UK GDPR. The breach has heightened concerns for the safety of interpreters still in Afghanistan, as the UK continues efforts to relocate them under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
