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 asking for updates on their relocation status mistakenly copied all recipients' addresses, making them visible to everyone.
The interpreters, many of whom are in hiding from the Taliban, now face heightened risks. One interpreter told the BBC: "This mistake could cost the life of interpreters, especially for those who are still in Afghanistan." The MoD has contacted those affected and is offering advice on managing potential risks.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace described the error as an "unacceptable breach." Former defence minister Johnny Mercer tweeted that the error likely means Afghan translators will be "moving house again tonight," criticising the government's handling of their resettlement.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: "We told these Afghan interpreters we would keep them safe, instead this breach has needlessly put lives at risk." He noted this is the second major MoD data breach this year, after sensitive documents were found at a bus stop in Kent in June.
An MoD spokesperson said: "An investigation has been launched into a data breach of information from the Afghan Relocations Assistance Policy team. We apologise to everyone impacted by this breach and are working hard to ensure it does not happen again." The department is taking steps under UK GDPR.
