The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is once again under fire after dozens of additional data breaches affecting Afghan nationals who worked alongside British forces were uncovered this week, raising fresh concerns over the safety of those left vulnerable in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
The new revelations come after an internal audit by the MoD identified previously unreported leaks of personal information, including names and contact details, of Afghan interpreters and other locally employed staff (LES). These individuals were part of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme, which was designed to provide sanctuary to those at risk following the NATO withdrawal in 2021.
According to officials familiar with the audit, the breaches occurred over multiple email chains and digital records between 2021 and 2023, but were only brought to light following a comprehensive data review launched after public and parliamentary pressure.
In 2021, the MoD was forced to apologise after mistakenly exposing the email addresses of more than 250 Afghan applicants in a similar breach. That incident triggered outrage from human rights groups and MPs, prompting calls for systemic reform of data protection protocols within the department.
Responding to the latest development, Defence Secretary James Cartlidge acknowledged the failures and pledged a full investigation. “We are taking these matters extremely seriously,” he said in a statement. “Every individual who worked alongside British forces deserves not just our gratitude but our protection. We will ensure that those affected are contacted and offered immediate support.”
Security analysts warn the breaches could have dire consequences, particularly for those still in hiding in Afghanistan or awaiting relocation to the UK. “Even the smallest lapse in data security can be life-threatening for these individuals,” said Sarah Clarke, director at Refugee Rights Watch. “This isn’t just an administrative failure it’s a humanitarian crisis.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has confirmed it is assessing the case and could launch a formal inquiry. Meanwhile, MPs across party lines have demanded greater accountability and transparency from the MoD.
With the UK government already facing criticism over delays in resettlement efforts, this latest disclosure is likely to intensify scrutiny over its handling of the Afghan withdrawal and the promises made to those who served alongside British forces.