Northern Ireland's First Minister has expressed significant concern following the publication of several police officers' names on the official courts website. This incident emerges as officers continue to seek compensation following a major data breach that occurred in 2023, which compromised the safety of thousands of personnel.
Immediate Action Taken by Department of Justice
The Department of Justice confirmed it took immediate action upon discovering the issue, removing the online public court list as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson stated that court details, excluding family proceedings, are routinely listed publicly online unless an application for anonymity is made to the court, a responsibility that falls to legal representatives or parties involved.
Background of the 2023 Data Breach
The controversy stems from a significant data breach in 2023, where nearly 10,000 police officers and staff had their details published online. This occurred when the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) responded to a Freedom of Information request, leading to widespread fears about the safety of those affected. Police officers in Northern Ireland remain under a substantial threat from terrorists, as assessed by MI5.
Compensation and Financial Implications
Earlier this week, the PSNI made an offer of £7,500 each in compensation to those affected by the 2023 breach. The Stormont Executive has agreed to ring-fence £119 million to fund these awards, highlighting the financial burden on public funds to rectify such mistakes.
Statements from Key Figures
First Minister Michelle O'Neill emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, "This is the day when we're actually responding to the previous data breach. The details are still to be unfolded in terms of how it has happened, but the PSNI need to fulfil their responsibilities in terms of the police officers that serve, that they ensure that their information is protected." She added that public funds should not be used to fix errors made with PSNI data.
In response, the PSNI issued a statement referring to a "limited list of names" published on the NI Courts Service website, clarifying that these names were supplied by legal representatives and are not part of the larger group litigation involving thousands of officers and staff.
Political and Security Concerns
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows, a former senior police officer, told the BBC that he understands 41 officers were named on the courts website, describing the situation as "extremely concerning." He noted that the information is now circulating virally on platforms like WhatsApp, calling for clarity from the Department of Justice and stressing the need for robust safeguards to protect serving officers and their families.
This latest incident underscores ongoing challenges in data protection and security within Northern Ireland's public services, raising questions about procedural safeguards and the long-term implications for those in high-risk roles.
