4 minute read
In August 2023, a significant data breach occurred within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), leaving every serving officer and staff member’s details exposed. This breach was the result of an inadvertent publication of information on the internet in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The compromised data included the surname, initials, rank or grade, work location and departments of all PSNI staff. Of particular concern is that the breach revealed the identities of members of sensitive units, such as the organised crime unit, intelligence officers at ports and airports and officers stationed at MI5’s headquarters.
The ramifications of this breach are profound, especially considering the heightened terror threat level in Northern Ireland. Officers and their families have been left feeling incredibly vulnerable, with concerns about their safety and potential targeting by hostile groups. The PSNI has acknowledged the severity of the breach, attributing it to “human error” and assuring that measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
At McCartan Turkington Breen, we recognise the gravity of this situation and the potential distress it has caused to the affected individuals. We are committed to assisting victims of this data breach, to explain your data protection rights to you and to advise you going forward. You may be able to seek compensation for any harm suffered. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this breach, please contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.
At McCartan Turkington Breen, our track record for PSNI officers and civilian staff speaks for itself. A prime example of our expertise and dedication is our landmark victory in the PSNI officers’ holiday pay claim, where we secured over £30 million for our clients.
So far, as a result of this devastating data breach incident, a significant number of PSNI police officers and staff have placed their trust in us by instructing our team with their case.
Choosing us means partnering with a firm that has proven success and unwavering commitment to your cause.
Our initial consultations are free of charge, totally confidential and without obligation to proceed if you do not want to. Contact Us to arrange yours of visit Data Breach Claims to learn more about our services.
