World

UK ministry staffer suspended for error revealing Afghan interpreters’ info

Email sent to over 250 seeking relocation to Britain mistakenly copied all applicants

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 23 Sep 2021 2:00PM

UK ministry staffer suspended for error revealing Afghan interpreters’ info
Interpreters are among the Afghans seeking to leave their home country following the Taliban’s return to power last month. – AFP pic, September 23, 2021

LONDON – Britain’s Defence Ministry yesterday said an employee has been suspended over a data breach revealing details of interpreters in Afghanistan seeking relocation to the United Kingdom after the Taliban retook control of the country last month.

Defence Minister Ben Wallace apologised and launched an investigation on Tuesday after an email sent to more than 250 people seeking relocation mistakenly copied all applicants, making them visible to other recipients.

“An individual has already been suspended,” tweeted the ministry.

“Steps have already been taken to ensure this does not happen in the future.

“We apologise to those affected, and extra support is being offered to them.” – Reuters, September 23, 2021

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