Recent reports indicate that unredacted images and videos showing nudity related to Jeffrey Epstein have persisted online for days, even though officials were alerted about inadequate redaction processes. Lawyers for the victims argue that this oversight has caused 'irreparable' harm.
The files reviewed by BBC Verify reveal identifying information about numerous victims of Epstein, and over the weekend, victims' groups expressed alarm over the publication of nearly 40 separate images in the Epstein files.
On Tuesday, a New York judge acknowledged that the Department of Justice (DoJ) had agreed to swiftly rectify the situation following a public outcry from victims who demanded a shutdown of the website until appropriate redactions were completed.
The DoJ confirmed that thousands of documents were removed from its website due to 'technical or human error', assuring that it is continuing to examine new requests and identifying any other documents requiring redaction.
Despite this, BBC Verify independently discovered images of identifiable individuals still online Wednesday, causing further outrage. Victims' attorney Brad Edwards remarked, 'The damage done is irreparable,' emphasizing the widespread exposure of victim identities that should have remained confidential.
Among the troubling findings were images showing partially clothed young females with their identities unmasked, alongside instances where redactions were inconsistently applied, allowing for some faces to be visible in certain documents but not in others.
The DoJ had previously committed to redacting all sexually explicit images and data related to victims before releasing the files around the Christmas period, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche assuring that careful attention was being given to protecting the identities of those impacted by Epstein.
While the efforts to address the publication of these sensitive materials continue, the ongoing release of identifiable information raises significant ethical and legal concerns regarding victim privacy and the responsibilities of the Department of Justice.
