The Ministry of Defence has apologised and launched an investigation after a data breach exposed the email addresses of more than 250 Afghan interpreters who worked for British forces. The error occurred when an email sent to interpreters seeking relocation to the UK mistakenly used 'CC' instead of 'BCC', making all recipients' addresses visible.
One interpreter told the BBC the mistake could cost lives, as many are in hiding from the Taliban. The email, from the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap), requested updates on their situations and advised them not to risk leaving safe locations. Some interpreters inadvertently replied to all, revealing personal details and profile pictures.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace called the breach 'unacceptable', while former defence minister Johnny Mercer warned interpreters would be 'moving house again tonight'. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said the breach 'needlessly put lives at risk' and criticised the MoD's handling of the evacuation.
More than 17,000 people were evacuated by the UK after the Taliban takeover, but many interpreters were left behind. The MoD stated it is contacting affected individuals and offering advice on managing risks, while an investigation is underway.
