The UK government secretly resettled thousands of Afghans following a Afghan data leak crisis that exposed their personal details to potential Taliban retaliation. Initially, officials kept the breach hidden under a rare super-injunction, but a High Court ruling has now revealed the full extent of the scandal.
In February 2022, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official accidentally leaked a spreadsheet containing sensitive details of nearly 19,000 Afghans. Consequently, names, contact information, and family data of applicants to the UK’s relocation program became vulnerable.
Months later, in August 2023, parts of the leaked data surfaced on Facebook. As a result, the government swiftly established a secret resettlement plan called the Afghan Relocation Route. So far, 4,500 Afghans have moved to the UK under this scheme.
Defence Secretary John Healey issued a public apology, calling the incident a “serious departmental error.” Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed regret, admitting the mistake should never have happened.
Authorities initially feared the Afghan data leak crisis could endanger up to 100,000 people. However, a later review found the actual risk was lower than expected. Still, the MoD has not confirmed whether any victims faced Taliban retaliation due to the breach.
For months, the government suppressed reporting on the Afghan data leak crisis using an unprecedented super-injunction. Justice Chamberlain later criticized the move, stating it created a “scrutiny vacuum” in a democracy.
Eventually, the court lifted the gag order after determining the Taliban likely already had the leaked data. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that continued secrecy no longer justified suppressing public accountability.
The relocation scheme has already cost £400 million, with an additional £450 million expected. Although the program is now closing, officials will honor existing relocation offers. Meanwhile, affected Afghans received an urgent email advising them to enhance their digital security.
Critics, including lawyers and opposition leaders, condemned the breach as a “catastrophic failure.” Many argue the Afghan data leak crisis highlights systemic flaws in handling sensitive evacuation efforts.
As the story develops, questions remain about accountability. Who was responsible for the leak? Why did it take so long to inform victims? The public now awaits further answers in this unfolding security scandal.
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