Sky News Daily Why was the MoD data leak kept secret for 600 days?
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Jul 15, 2025 Deborah Haynes, Sky's Security and Defence Editor, discusses a grave data breach by the Ministry of Defence that endangered 100,000 Afghans associated with British forces. The conversation reveals the breach was hidden for 600 days under a super-injunction, raising serious concerns about government accountability. Haynes delves into the Taliban's potential access to sensitive information and the distress faced by those affected. The episode also highlights legal challenges in relocating these individuals and the urgent need for transparency in safeguarding their safety.
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Human Error Caused Afghan Data Leak
- A human error in February 2022 led to an email leak containing personal data of nearly 20,000 Afghans aiding British forces.
- This breach put lives at risk and resulted in a secret relocation scheme without informing those affected.
Conflicting Risk Assessments After Leak
- It's unclear if the Taliban got the leaked data but the Ministry of Defence lost control of it.
- The MOD's justification for secrecy conflicted with later assessments downplaying the risk, causing confusion.
High Costs of Cover-Up Revealed
- The secret relocation scheme and handling of the breach have cost taxpayers billions.
- Around 6,900 Afghans are being relocated directly because of the breach at an estimated £850 million cost.