The exposure of personal data of thousands led to a covert resettlement initiative amidst rising immigration tensions in the U.K.
U.K. Admits to Secretly Resettling 4,500 Afghans After Major Data Breach
U.K. Admits to Secretly Resettling 4,500 Afghans After Major Data Breach
Revelations about a security lapse shed light on the government's classified operations for Afghan allies.
The British Defense Ministry has revealed that in 2022, it accidentally disclosed personal information belonging to over 18,000 Afghans who assisted British forces prior to the Taliban's resurgence. This admission comes as part of a secret program initiated to safeguard those Afghans perceived to be at risk of persecution. The information leak, which went unmentioned for over a year due to a controversial "super injunction" obtained by the former Conservative government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has drawn criticism for limiting media freedom.
On July 15, 2025, Defense Secretary John Healey disclosed details of the incident to Parliament, acknowledging that the sensitive data was mistakenly shared through an unofficial email. The breach was uncovered in August 2023 when discussions involving the individuals' information resurfaced on social platforms. In reaction, the government launched the "Afghan Response Route" initiative, which has successfully facilitated the relocation of 4,500 Afghans to the U.K. at an expenditure nearing $537 million.
While the program aimed to protect those endangered by the Taliban's rule, Mr. Healey announced its termination alongside the release of a report that downplayed the immediate threat to the individuals affected, asserting that there was no substantial evidence linking the data exposure to a heightened risk of retribution from the Taliban.
On July 15, 2025, Defense Secretary John Healey disclosed details of the incident to Parliament, acknowledging that the sensitive data was mistakenly shared through an unofficial email. The breach was uncovered in August 2023 when discussions involving the individuals' information resurfaced on social platforms. In reaction, the government launched the "Afghan Response Route" initiative, which has successfully facilitated the relocation of 4,500 Afghans to the U.K. at an expenditure nearing $537 million.
While the program aimed to protect those endangered by the Taliban's rule, Mr. Healey announced its termination alongside the release of a report that downplayed the immediate threat to the individuals affected, asserting that there was no substantial evidence linking the data exposure to a heightened risk of retribution from the Taliban.
