The addresses of over 1,000 people receiving New Year’s Honours from the Government were mistakenly published online in a massive data breach. Individuals who had their addresses posted online included celebrities, police, politicians and military in a violation of the Data Protection Act.
Silkie Carlo, Director of Big Brother Watch, said “It’s extremely worrying to see that the Government doesn’t have a basic grip on data protection, and that people receiving some of the highest honours have been put at risk because of this. It’s a farcical and inexcusable mistake, especially given the new Data Protection Act passed by the Government last year – it clearly can’t stick by its rules.”
BBC News – New Year Honours: Government apologises after addresses published
The Independent – New year’s honours: Publication of addresses a ‘complete disaster’, says Iain Duncan Smith amid calls for urgent inquiry
ITV News –‘Farcical’ blunder sees home addresses of 1,000 New Year Honours recipients posted online