In a troubling revelation, a data leak from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has exposed personal information of over 18,000 Afghans who applied for relocation to the UK. The 2022 breach was especially alarming because it put many of those impacted in serious danger. In turn, the UK government developed a clandestine project to evacuate them. The recent suspension of the relocation program puts about 9,500 applicants at risk of Taliban retaliation.
The data leak has cost the UK government an estimated £800 to £850 million in efforts to mitigate its repercussions. Those leaked documents have endangered countless lives. Those named in them—individual Afghans—live in fear for their safety if they remain in Afghanistan. The MoD has been hit by a major breach that was compounded by previous breaches. As such, the Ministry of Defence has been fined £350,000 in 2023 for yet another data breach affecting Afghan interpreters.
In truth, the UK government just took a heck of a lot more internal courage. Second, they will allow 600 outstanding relocation invitations for people who are still in Afghanistan. This decision will ultimately make possible around 1,800 more relocations on top of that. The decision to pause the larger scheme means that thousands of Afghans remain at risk from the Taliban.
Sean Humber, an attorney who represents some of the people impacted, made clear just how serious the invasion was.
“We are extremely concerned at what is, by any estimation, a catastrophic data breach, both because of the sensitivity of the information concerned and also the number of people affected. Over 18,000 people have been affected by this data breach.” – Sean Humber
Humber blasted the MoD for not securing sensitive data time and time again. Secondly, he called for an across-the-board review and re-thinking of government practices.
“The Ministry of Defence seems, I think, institutionally incapable of keeping information safe. They do seem very laissez-faire with other people’s very sensitive personal information.” – Sean Humber
The anxiety among those affected is palpable. One Afghan man shared his concerns about being deported back to Afghanistan.
“Now I’m scared, and unhappy for my life and the future of what is going on. If I go back, and am deported to Afghanistan, it’s 100 per cent that I will be killed with my family.” – Afghan man named in the leak
In a parliamentary address, Defence Secretary Mr. Healey acknowledged the gravity of the incident and extended an apology on behalf of the government.
“Mr Speaker, this serious data incident should never have happened. It may have occurred three years ago, under the previous government, but to all those whose information was compromised I offer a sincere apology today on behalf of the British government.” – Mr Healey
The government reiterates their intention to fulfil pre-existing invitations. There is ongoing worry about how many people remain in danger because relocation efforts have come to a standstill.
Humber noted that many victims are living in constant fear, often changing locations and phone numbers to evade potential threats from the Taliban.
“They’re very scared. They believe that their life is at threat. A lot of them seem to move locations, change phone numbers because they believe it will keep them safe.” – Sean Humber
The UK government, to their credit, has already brought about 4,500 Afghans and their families into the UK. Now they’re re-locating tens of thousands more people under a previously secret plan. For those who remain, the stop on new relocations is a very real danger.
