UK data watchdog’s handling of Afghan breach could damage its ability to enforce

By Frank Hersey ( July 28, 2025, 07:51 GMT | Comment) -- The UK data watchdog's decision to not take action following the Ministry of Defence’s leak of the personal data of almost 19,000 Afghans — arguably the most critical public data breach in recent history — has left privacy lawyers and campaigners scratching their heads. The Information Commissioner’s Office piecemeal explanation that the government department had responded quickly and already learned its lessons raises questions about the watchdog's role and reputation, and risks setting a dangerous precedent for action, they say.On Tuesday, July 15, an injunction was lifted in the UK's High Court, revealing that the Ministry of Defence had leaked the identities of almost 19,000 Afghans, arguably the biggest government data breach in recent history....

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UK data watchdog’s handling of Afghan breach could damage its ability to enforce

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