Inquiry finds MoD Afghan data breach was foreseeable failure
Summary
A UK parliamentary inquiry found that a data breach exposing personal details of over 18,500 Afghans applying to flee to the UK was a predictable failure by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The breach happened because of poor data handling and secrecy, and the report criticizes the MoD for lacking skills to manage the relocation scheme for Afghans after Kabul fell to the Taliban.Key Facts
- The data breach involved personal information of more than 18,500 Afghan applicants to the UK Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme.
- The breach occurred in August 2023 but was kept secret under a super-injunction until July 2025.
- The MoD shared an Excel spreadsheet containing the data with a trusted third party, causing the exposure.
- The Arap scheme was created in April 2021 to help Afghans who worked with British forces escape danger and resettle in the UK.
- The committee said the breach was not a single mistake but a systemic failure due to poor tools, procedures, training, and culture around data protection.
- The Ministry of Defence was criticized for running immigration casework, which was seen as outside its expertise.
- The secrecy and long-lasting injunction harmed accountability and public trust.
- Special Forces' involvement in the scheme and breach raised concerns, but the committee could not confirm details due to government secrecy rules.
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