Data breach endangers thousands of Afghan allies after British withdrawal

In February 2022, the United Kingdom experienced a significant data breach when a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official mistakenly shared a spreadsheet containing sensitive information regarding approximately 18,714 Afghans who had applied for relocation under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP). This incident exposed these Afghan interpreters, fixers, and other local allies to potential retaliation from the Taliban after the British military's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which occurred against the backdrop of the Taliban's resurgence. The breach remained largely hidden from public knowledge until a super-injunction was lifted in September 2023, revealing the extensive consequences of this failure to safeguard personal data. Following the breach, the British government initiated covert operations to evacuate many of those at risk by relocating them to the UK. Reports indicate that at least 900 individuals, along with 3,600 family members, were brought to safety through a secretive scheme after authorities recognized that individuals not eligible under the ARAP could be in danger due to their inclusion in the leaked dataset. The actions taken by the government followed widespread criticism and mounting pressure from various advocacy groups pointing to the systemic negligence shown toward those who had served alongside British troops. Major General Charlie Herbert, who fought alongside Afghan commandos, voiced concern that many affected individuals were left unaware of their exposure and the subsequent risks they faced. The breach triggered a review of government policies regarding the assessment of Taliban risk levels and the treatments given to Afghan commandos. Many of these soldiers, initially assured safety and support, found themselves abandoned following their service, prompting a reevaluation of how the British government addresses its obligations to Afghan allies. As of July 2025, investigations continue regarding the extent of the breach and the British government’s handling of the fallout. Parliamentary committees are demanding transparency and accountability, indicating that there may be further scrutiny and calls for restitution for those affected by this crisis. The revelations about the leak and its implications have reignited discussions about the treatment of Afghans who supported British and coalition forces during the long conflict, raising questions about the commitments made by the UK government during the evacuation process. In light of these events, there is increasing pressure for reform, aiming to prevent such a catastrophic data failure from occurring in the future.