UK Data Watchdog Defends Afghan Leak Inaction Citing Security Constraints
The UK’s data protection regulator has declined to investigate a Ministry of Defence leak that exposed details of Afghans seeking relocation. Information Commissioner John Edwards cited classified material constraints and MoD’s adequate response as key factors in the decision.
Regulator Cites Security Constraints in Decision
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has defended its choice not to investigate a significant data breach at the Ministry of Defence that compromised the safety of thousands of Afghans linked to British forces. According to reports, the accidental leak occurred in February 2022 and potentially exposed over 33,000 individuals to Taliban reprisals.